ExonHit Therapeutics expands strategic collaboration with Allergan
16 January 2009
Paris-based ExonHit Therapeutics (Alternext: ALEHT) has announced a
reinforcement of its existing drug discovery collaboration with Allergan
Sales, LLC (NYSE: AGN). The collaboration, which is extended until
December 2011, includes antibody discovery within the scope of the
research activities and encompasses revised commercial terms. Detailed
financial terms were not disclosed.
The collaboration focuses on the identification, development and
commercialization of drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative
diseases, pain and ophthalmology. EHT/AGN 0001, the most advanced
compound out of the collaboration, is currently ending Phase I clinical
trials for pain indications. EHT/AGN 0002 and other compounds are in
pre-clinical testing for indications in pain, ophthalmology or
neurodegenerative diseases.
As part of the renewal agreement, Allergan will provide ExonHit with
increased quarterly research funding instead of a single payment.
The scope of the collaboration is expanded to include epitope* discovery
for the development of antibody therapeutics in ocular disorders.
ExonHit's unique gene profiling technology can readily be applied to
identify disease specific target proteins, but also pinpoints novel
epitopes present in those proteins, which are produced via alternative
splicing.
ExonHit's approach offers the potential benefit of identifying
epitopes that are particularly disease specific, thus enabling the
discovery of safer drugs with fewer side effects. In addition, such
epitopes may provide the opportunity to create new intellectual
property, even in more heavily investigated areas.
"We are very pleased to expand further our successful and longstanding
collaboration with Allergan. We believe that combining the capabilities
of our two organizations and enlarging both the research and commercial
scope will enhance our ability to create value for our shareholders,"
said Loic Maurel, CEO of ExonHit Therapeutics.
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