|
Meyer Pharmaceuticals llc announces today that it has licensed rights to a new drug technology for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and skin disease
IRVINE, CA, USA | November 19, 2007 | Meyer Pharmaceuticals llc announces today that it has licensed rights to a new drug technology for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and skin disease. The drug is a patented oligonucleotide (a small segment of DNA) that specifically blocks NF-κB, a transcription factor that turns on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. The technology is licensed from AnGes MG, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, and is currently in Phase II testing for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
The agreement with AnGes gives Meyer Pharmaceuticals exclusive development and marketing rights for the NF-κB decoy in treating particular widespread diseases that cannot be adequately managed with currently available therapeutics. These include skin diseases like dermatitis, orthopedic diseases including arthritis, airway disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. The licensed territory includes North America and Europe, with AnGes retaining co-promotion rights in the European Union. AnGes will continue to develop the NF-κB decoy for marketing in Japan as well.
“The NF-κB decoy is particularly attractive for treating inflammatory disease for several reasons,” said Tetsuya Gatanaga, Meyer’s Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. “First, it has activity against key pro-inflammatory cytokines that is similar to large biological drugs currently commercially available, but it is easier to administer and considerably less expensive to produce. Second, it can be administered directly to the site of inflammation — such as the skin lesions in dermatitis, and systematic joints in rheumatoid arthritis.”
The NF-κB decoy has undergone extensive preclinical and clinical testing in Japan, and has enjoyed promising results. A Phase I trial confirmed safety of the oligonucleotide. An investigator-sponsored trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis provided preliminary evidence of decreased morning stiffness and improved range of motion. Further, results from a Phase II efficacy trial in 150 dermatitis patients (enrollment was completed this past July), are expected to be released in December.
Meyer Pharmaceuticals will initiate clinical testing of the NF-κB decoy in the U.S. at the Phase II level. The first indication will be dermatitis or other inflammatory skin diseases. At the same time, formulation of the decoy will be finalized for the longer term use in treating airway disease and arthritis.
Michael O’Neill, President and Chief Executive Officer of Meyer Pharmaceuticals, commented, “I am extremely pleased with this transaction, as this technology complements our existing product portfolio that focuses on drugs for treating inflammation.”
Meyer Pharmaceuticals was established in 1996 and has developed a broad portfolio of intellectual property covering therapeutics for both inflammatory disease and cancer. It is privately held and funded by Robert E. Meyer. The corporate group owned by Mr. Meyer has a diversified range of interests, including pharmaceuticals, investment banking, commercial real estate, and the Meyer Natural Angus® Beef business
SOURCE: Meyer Pharmaceuticals llc |
