AZ, Galderma strike 5-year deal

London - AstraZeneca has signed a five-year agreement with Swiss dermatological specialist Galderma Pharma to develop new treatments for conditions including psoriasis, acne and atopic dermatitis, InPharm.com reports.

The joint venture is an effort by AstraZeneca - a biopharmeceutical company based in London whose product portfolio focuses on oncology, inflammation and the central nervous system - to expand into new areas. Terms of the agreement call for Galderma to receive exclusive access to AstraZeneca compounds with which to develop dermatological indications.

Galderma’s current products treat rosacea, onychomycosis, steroid-responsive dermatoses, pigmentary disorders and skin cancer.

InPharm.com quotes Clive Morris, of AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines unit, as saying, “This partnership is an example of how we are leveraging our science in new and creative ways through collaborations with recognized experts outside of AstraZeneca’s core therapy areas. Partnering with Galderma, a world leader in dermatology, is the most efficient and effective way to unlock the potential of our compounds in this rapidly evolving disease area.”

The agreement’s financial terms were not released.