Auspex, Teva Pharmaceutical to develop deuterium-containing drug

Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has signed a deal involving a promising deuterium-containing drug with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. The discovery and initial development of the program subject to this transaction was conducted at Auspex Pharmaceuticals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Deuterium is a non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen that has been demonstrated to generate new chemical entities with unique and beneficial properties. This agreement demonstrates Auspex's ability to build on its strong intellectual property position across multiple therapeutic areas," said Dr. Andreas Sommer, COO of Auspex Pharmaceuticals. "It is a reflection of our efforts to provide access to novel deuterated drugs that address significant market opportunities," said Dr. Pratik Shah, Acting CEO of Auspex Pharmaceuticals and Partner at Thomas McNerney & Partners.