MannKind to Establish Boston-Area Research & Development Foothold and Expand Portfolio of Dry Powder Inhalation Technology in Transaction With Pulmatrix
29 May 2024 - 10:45PM
MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), a company
focused on the development and commercialization of innovative
inhaled therapeutic products and devices for patients with
endocrine and orphan lung diseases, announced today that it has
agreed to in-license iSPERSE™ technology from Pulmatrix for certain
indications in exchange for an out-license of MannKind’s Cricket®
inhaler to Pulmatrix for inhaled delivery of dihydroergotamine
(DHE) for migraine treatment. The two companies also agreed that
Pulmatrix will transfer its Bedford, Mass. R&D facility to
MannKind, along with all leasehold improvements, laboratory
equipment and other related personal property used in the
laboratory in non-cash transaction.
“We are delighted to grow our Boston-area presence as we
continue to progress our pipeline efforts, and in particular, our
expanding orphan lung programs,” said Michael Castagna, PharmD,
Chief Executive Officer of MannKind Corporation. “We have
formulated two FDA-approved products utilizing our proven
Technosphere® dry powder technology, and this agreement affords us
access to another option for future development opportunities.”
“Our Technosphere technology, which is a unique carrier-based,
dry powder inhalation platform used in tandem with our proprietary
inhaler, provides deep and effective penetration of lung tissue
that is well suited for many active ingredients,” said Dr. Burkhard
Blank, Executive Vice President, Research & Development and
Chief Medical Officer of MannKind Corporation. “However, for some
drug candidates, such as Clofazimine, that may require a
significantly higher drug payload, the iSPERSE formulation
technology may be better suited for developing viable powders.”
The royalty-free licensing structure will allow MannKind to have
exclusive use of the iSPERSE technology for clofazimine, NTM, and
insulin, and non-exclusive use for endocrine diseases and
interstitial lung diseases (ILD) including idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis (IPF), progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PFF) and other
related lung diseases. In exchange, Pulmatrix will receive a
royalty-free, exclusive license to MannKind’s single-use Cricket
inhalation device for inhaled delivery of DHE in any formulation
and non-exclusive use for neurological diseases.
MannKind expects to consolidate its Boston presence by
transitioning its Marlborough staff into the newly renovated, fully
outfitted R&D facility in Bedford. To maintain continuity of
iSPERSE platform knowledge, MannKind plans to hire some members of
current Pulmatrix R&D staff.
The agreement is anticipated to close in July 2024.
About MannKindMannKind Corporation (Nasdaq:
MNKD) focuses on the development and commercialization of
innovative inhaled therapeutic products and devices to address
serious unmet medical needs for those living with endocrine and
orphan lung diseases.
We are committed to using our formulation capabilities and
device engineering prowess to lessen the burden of diseases such as
diabetes, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease,
pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Our signature
technologies – dry-powder formulations and inhalation devices –
offer rapid and convenient delivery of medicines to the deep lung
where they can exert an effect locally or enter the systemic
circulation, depending on the target indication.
With a passionate team of Mannitarians collaborating nationwide,
we are on a mission to give people control of their health and the
freedom to live life.
Please visit mannkindcorp.com to learn more, and follow us on
LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram.
Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release
contains forward-looking statements that involves risks and
uncertainties. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”,
“expects”, “intends”, “will”, “goal”, “potential” and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based upon MannKind’s current
expectations. Actual results and the timing of events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which
include, without limitation, the risks that the transaction
described in this release may not be completed due to a failure of
closing conditions, and other risks detailed in MannKind’s filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the
“Risk Factors” heading of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent periodic reports on
Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this press release. All
forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this
cautionary statement, and MannKind undertakes no obligation to
revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this press release.
ISPERSE is a registered trademark of Pulmatrix.
CRICKET, MANNKIND, and TECHNOSPHERE are registered trademarks of
MannKind Corporation.
For MannKind:
Christie Iacangelo, Corporate Communications
(818) 292-3500
Email: media@mnkd.com
Rose Alinaya, Investor Relations
(818) 661-5000
Email: ir@mnkd.com
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