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Centocor Ortho Biotech Buys RespiVert

Centocor Ortho Biotech has acquired drug discovery company RespiVert, focused on developing small-molecule, inhaled therapies for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

The acquisition is expected to bolster Centocor Ortho Biotech’s pulmonary portfolio and capabilities, allowing it to gain access to RespiVert’s portfolio of early-stage inhaled treatments for serious lung diseases and a team of respiratory scientists.

Reportedly, RespiVert will continue to maintain its research and discovery presence in London from the Imperial BioIncubator, which is based at the campus of Imperial College London. RespiVert employees will continue to lead ongoing research and drug discovery efforts.

RespiVert ‘s lead compounds RV-568 and RV-1088 are narrow spectrum kinase inhibitors with a profile of anti-inflammatory activities that are progressing into clinical development as a treatments for moderate to severe asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

The clinical development of RV-568 and RV-1088 are expected to be led by RespiVert in collaboration with scientists at Centocor Research and Development.

Susan Dillon, head of global therapeutic area and immunology at Centocor Research and Development, said: “The RespiVert compounds offer the potential for a new class of medicines for patients with severe lung disease who are insensitive to inhaled corticosteroids.

“The addition of RespiVert’s expert scientific team and discovery platforms for inhaled medicines strengthens our capabilities and further builds our pipeline of novel oral and biologic therapies for serious pulmonary diseases.”