Mallinckrodt plc, a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Transimmune AG, a company developing novel immunotherapies based on its unique understanding of the physiologic processes underlying the activation of antigen-presenting cells. The companies will collaborate on translational research to further expand understanding of the underlying mechanism of action (MOA) for extracorporeal photopheresis, and its application toward the development of potential next-generation photopheresis technology, with plans to expand on Mallinckrodt's current THERAKOS™ Photopheresis platform through new clinical trials.

Beyond enhancing MOA understanding and advancing the technology platform, it is also anticipated that the insights gained through the joint research endeavor with the Transimmune experts can expand potential clinical applicability across diverse immune-mediated disease states. If clinical evidence is shown, these conditions may include Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), organ transplant rejection and all autoimmune diseases – all exclusively licensed to Mallinckrodt under the agreement.

Transimmune was founded by Richard Edelson, M.D., Lerner Professor of Dermatology, Chair and Professor, Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, and a photopheresis pioneer. Dr. Edelson has spent decades studying the photopheresis mechanism of action and founded Transimmune to translate those insights into improving photopheresis therapy.

Mallinckrodt and Transimmune will establish a joint governance committee consisting of representatives from both companies to oversee, review and coordinate the activities under the agreement.

The companies intend to explore a joint commercial collaboration arrangement related to a next-generation Mallinckrodt photopheresis system. Mallinckrodt is the only provider of an integrated closed loop photopheresis therapy, which is delivered through its latest generation THERAKOS™ CELLEX™ Photopheresis System.