SelectImmune Pharma AB has signed an agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) to buy Kineret (anakinra) and placebo in order to investigate anakinra as a potential treatment of patients with select forms of cystitis and bladder pain syndrome. Extensive research into the molecular mechanism of cystitis at Lund University has identified interleukin-1 alpha and beta as a major regulator of inflammation and disease in acute cystitis and bladder pain syndrome. The interleukin-1 alpha and beta receptor antagonist (IL1-RA) anakinra has been shown to inhibit inflammation and infection in animal models of cystitis and SelectImmune Pharma is now pursuing clinical trials to further assess the clinical efficacy in these areas.

Kineret (anakinra) is a trademark of Sobi, who markets the drug for various inflammatory conditions, whereas SelectImmune Pharma's patents cover the use of anakinra for the treatment of cystitis and bladder pain syndrome specifically. The agreement defines that SelectImmune Pharma will conduct clinical trials in these areas with Sobi as the provider of drug and placebo. The parties have the intention to discuss a potential commercialization agreement for the indications protected by SelectImmune Pharma's patent rights.