Xeris Biopharma has signed a research collaboration and option agreement with Horizon Therapeutics to develop a subcutaneous formulation of teprotumumab using its XeriJect technology for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED).
Under the terms of the agreement, Xeris Biopharma will use the proprietary XeriJect formulation technology platform for producing an ultra-concentrated, ready-to-use, subcutaneous injection of the drug.
The biopharmaceutical company said that Horizon Therapeutics will also have the option to license the XeriJect technology.
Teprotumumab, which is marketed as TEPEZZA in the US, is said to be the first and only drug aproved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of thyroid eye disease.
According to the deal, Xeris Biopharma will receive an undisclosed upfront payment in addition to potential payments contingent on milestones related to the drug’s development, regulatory, and sales-based milestones, along with royalties based on future sales in the event of exercising the commercial licencing option.
Xeris Biopharma chairman and CEO Paul Edick said: “We are excited to announce our collaboration with Horizon for the development of a subcutaneous formulation of teprotumumab using our XeriJect technology to potentially enhance the patient experience and delivery of the treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease.
“This partnership demonstrates the potential value of our technology to enable large molecule subcutaneous injections that provide a more patient friendly regimen that is effective, safe, and more convenient, with potential for improved adherence.”
Formulations made by using the XeriJect technology can enhance drug delivery, reduce treatment burden, and enhance patients’ lives across a range of therapeutic categories, claimed Xeris Biopharma.
XeriJect suspensions are said to maximises loadings of drugs at >400mg/mL to enable small-volume subcutaneous injections. The technology is suitable for biologics and drugs including large molecules like proteins, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies, said Xeris Biopharma.
Additionally, the company has developed Gvoke, a liquid glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, Keveyis for primary periodic paralysis, and Recorlev for endogenous Cushing’s syndrome.
