May 6 (Reuters) - Gossamer Bio ( GOSS ) said on Monday

it will collaborate with Italian drugmaker Chiesi Group to

develop and commercialize its therapy seralutinib in multiple

indications related to high blood pressure due to constriction

of lung arteries.

The therapy is currently in late-stage development for the

treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which

affects about 40,000 people in the United States.

While the company has not yet applied for approval from

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a potential nod could

make seralutinib a rival to Merck's ( MRK ) Winrevair, which

secured

the agency's clearance for PAH in March.

Gossamer is to receive $160 million in development

reimbursement payment and is eligible to receive up to $146

million in regulatory and $180 million in sales milestones as

part of the deal.