In August 2022, Nuance Pharma received clearance from the Center of Drug Evaluation (“CDE”) for its Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application to conduct both Phase 1 and Phase 3 studies with ensifentrine for the maintenance treatment of COPD in mainland China. Nuance Pharma initiated a Phase 1 trial with ensifentrine in healthy volunteers in March 2023.

“We are pleased our development partner, Nuance Pharma, has begun pivotal studies in COPD with ensifentrine in mainland China,” said David Zaccardelli, Pharm. D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Verona Pharma. “This is a significant milestone and, based on our recent highly positive Phase 3 results in COPD, we are excited about the potential of ensifentrine to address the urgent global need for a novel therapy for COPD.”

In 2021, Nuance Pharma entered into an agreement with Verona Pharma for exclusive rights to develop and commercialize ensifentrine in Greater China, with future potential milestone payments up to $179 million plus royalties.