United Therapeutics signs exclusive pact with Ascendis Pharma

United Therapeutics Corporation has signed an exclusive deal with Ascendis Pharma to apply Ascendis Pharma’s proprietary TransCon technology platform to United Therapeutics’ treprostinil molecule, the active ingredient in Remodulin® injection.

The company believes that the TransCon technology platform may enable a controlled, long-acting release of a novel, carrier-linked product. This significantly enhances the delivery profile of treprostinil  by establishing a self-injectable alternative for patients who presently use the drug through a continuous infusion pump to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Martine Rothblatt, Ph.D., United Therapeutics’ Chairman and CEO said, “We are thrilled to enter into this license agreement with Ascendis Pharma.” Mr. Rothblatt also said, “The potential to bring another novel therapeutic option to PAH patients represents an exciting new opportunity for Remodulin delivery as we constantly re-charge our mission to better the lives of patients suffering from PAH.” 

Under the terms of the agreement, United Therapeutics will also have exclusive rights to develop prostacyclin, prostacyclin analog and prostacyclin related products to treat PAH using the TransCon technology and will hold worldwide commercial rights to products resulting from the collaboration.

United Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focusing on development and commercialization of products to address the unmet medical needs of patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions.