Bayer and Nektar launch inhaleable Gram-negative Pneumonias agreement

Bayer HealthCare and Nektar Therapeutics have agreed to develop and commercialise NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin). 

The therapy will use Nektar's proprietary pulmonary technology to deliver a specially-formulated amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, for inhalation deep into the lung. 

NKTR-061 is currently in phase II trials for the adjunctive therapy of ventilated patients with hospital-acquired, Gram-negative pneumonias, which have significant attached morbidity and mortality.

Some 20 to 50 per cent of patients intubated and on ventilators who acquire Gram-negative pneumonia will die. NKTR-061 would be administered while the patient is on the ventilator and also would allow for ongoing dosing after the patient no longer requires ventilatory support.

Per the agreement, Nektar will receive milestone payments of up to USD 175m associated with the successful development and commercialisation of NKTR-061, which includes an upfront payment of USD 50m.

Subsequent to the successful clinical and regulatory development of the product, Bayer HealthCare and Nektar have agreed to co-promote the product in the US and to share profits. For sales elsewhere, Nektar will receive tiered performance royalties up to a maximum of 30 per cent.

Bayer HealthCare will be responsible for the global clinical development, regulatory strategy, manufacturing and marketing of the product, with Nektar participating in all aspects of decision-making and governance.

Dr Ulrich Kostlin, member of the executive committee of Bayer HealthCare, said: "There is a large, unmet medical need for a new approach to fight Gram-negative pneumonias, particularly in ventilated patients infected with difficult to treat, resistant organisms.î

Howard W Robin, president and CEO of Nektar, added: "Using Nektar's proprietary pulmonary technology to address life-threatening infections, Bayer HealthCare and Nektar are building on the important work we're doing in the area of pulmonary therapeutics."