Pfizer, Adolor partner to develop new pain treatments

NEW YORK and EXTON, Pa Pfizer and Adolor have joined together in a worldwide collaboration to develop and commercialize two novel compounds, ADL5859 and ADL5747, for the treatment of pain. The compounds are Delta opioids that can treat a wide range of inflammatory, neuorpathic and acute pain conditions. Delta receptors have the potential to modulate pain.

The companies will form a Joint Steering Committee to guide the development and commercialization of products resulting from the collaboration. Pfizer will be responsible for securing regulatory approvals and commercialization on a worldwide basis.

The terms of the agreement provide for Pfizer and Adolor to share revenues and expenses 60/40 percent in the U.S. Adolor will receive an upfront, non-refundable payment of $30 million, plus $1.9 million reimbursement for prior Phase 2 development costs. Adolor may also receive payments of up to $232.5 million upon the achievement of development and regulatory milestones for its Delta compounds. More than 50 percent of these milestones may be earned prior to regulatory approval of the compounds, with the first milestone payment available to be earned on commencement of Phase 2b clinical studies.

ADL5859 is in a Phase 2 development program exploring its analgesic efficacy in inflammatory pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and acute post-dental surgery pain. Additional programs are planned to evaluate ADL5859 in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and osteoarthritis. All future development work is subject to a Joint Development Committee. Adolor expects to begin Phase 1 clinical testing of ADL5747 in the first quarter of 2008.