Zydus Lifesciences' (NSE:ZYDUSLIFE, BOM:532321) U.S. unit Sentynl Therapeutics has entered into an agreement with Mereo BioPharma Group for rights to alvelestat, an experimental treatment for a rare genetic lung disease.
Under the agreement, Sentynl will have an option to license U.S. commercial rights and will receive global manufacturing rights, according to an Indian bourse filing on Tuesday. If the option is exercised, Mereo will receive up to $40 million in upfront and research payments through regulatory filing, plus tiered royalties on U.S. sales.
The drug is being prepared for Phase 3 trials, which could begin in early 2027.
Zydus shares fell nearly 2% in recent trade.