Abbott gains ex-U.S. rights to Reata's bardoxolone

Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Irving, Texas) granted Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) exclusive rights outside the U.S. and certain Asian markets to develop and commercialize bardoxolone for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular and metabolic indications. The antioxidant inflammation modulator (AIM) that activates nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 ( NFE2L2; NRF2) is in Phase II testing to treat CKD in patients with Type II diabetes. Phase III testing in Type II diabetes patients with advanced CKD is slated for year end or early 2011. Reata will receive $450 million comprising an upfront payment, "very near-term" milestones and an undisclosed equity investment from Abbott, and is eligible for an additional $350 million in milestones, plus royalties. ...