Dynavax and GlaxoSmithKline Expand Their Worldwide Strategic Alliance

Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: DVAX) announced today the expansion of its worldwide strategic alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) focused on toll-like receptor inhibitors. The addition of a new target, TLR8, entitles Dynavax to receive a $3 million milestone payment from GSK. Subject to reaching sales and development milestones, Dynavax has the potential to receive approximately $200 million in milestone payments over the term of the alliance. Based on preclinical data, Dynavax and GSK will work to develop a TLR8 inhibitor for the treatment of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

The activation of TLR8 in myeloid cells yields the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factors (TNF), IL-1, IL-6 and IL-12. Therapeutic approaches that target these inflammatory cytokines include a number of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Dynavax and GSK will evaluate the hypothesis that inhibition of TLR8 could prevent the inflammatory cascade these cytokines initiate in many autoimmune conditions.