Biological treatment for people living with uncontrolled gout

Horizon Pharma plc and XL-protein GmbH have entered into a collaboration agreement.

Computer-model-of-a-PASylated-pharmacologically-active-protein

Computer model of a PASylated pharmacologically active protein (orange) in complex with its cellular receptor (shades of blue). The structurally disordered PAS amino acid tag confers an expanded hydrodynamic volume on the drug and, hence, prolonged circulation in the blood.

Horizon Pharma plc announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with XL-protein GmbH, located in the IZB Weihen­stephan, to identify clinical-stage program candidates that could use PASylation technology to construct a next-generation gout biologic. PASylation technology is a biological alternative to synthetic PEGylation and is intended to extend both the half-life of uricase and the duration of treatment for people living with uncontrolled gout, and also has the potential for subcutaneous dosing. If the agreement yields a clinical-stage candidate, Horizon Pharma will have the right to license the candidate.
XL-protein is a German biotech company commercializing its ground-breaking PASylation® technology, which enables the design of biopharmaceuticals with extended plasma half-life and enhanced action. Based on a strong proprietary technology position, XL-protein focuses at the preclinical as well as clinical development of PASylated proteins in diverse disease areas. XL-protein is engaged in a growing number of partnerships with international pharmaceutical and biotech companies at various levels.

About Horizon Pharma plc.
Horizon Pharma plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives by identifying, developing, acquiring and commercializing differentiated and accessible medicines that address unmet medical needs. Horizon markets 11 medi­cines through our rare disease, rheumatology and primary care business units.