Chiesi Farmaceutici has agreed to acquire Atopix Therapeutics, an indirect spinout of Oxford University, in a transaction potentially worth in excess of $80m.

Atopix Therapeutics, a UK-based clinical-stage biotechnology company backed by pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline, is set to be acquired by pharmaceutical firm Chiesi Farmaceutici in a deal potentially worth more than €75m ($80m).

The amount includes development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. Details of any upfront payment have not been disclosed.

Founded in 2012, Atopix is a spinout of Oxagen, itself spun out of Oxford University in 1997. Atopix’s lead drug candidate OC459, currently in phase 2 trials, is a treatment for…