AstraZeneca to Transfer Respiratory Therapies Rights to Covis Pharma

AstraZeneca has agreed to transfer global rights to Covis Pharma for two respiratory drugs, Eklira (aclidinium bromide) — called Tudorza in the U.S. — and Duaklir (aclidinium bromide/formoterol) for $270 million.

Covis will also pay for “ongoing development costs” related to the drugs, but the companies didn’t offer further details. The agreement builds off a previous respiratory drugs rights deal between the drugmakers inked in 2018.

Eklira and Duaklir, which are both administered via an inhaler, are indicated for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.