BRIDGEWATER, N.J., and BRUSSELS, Belgium, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ --
Drais Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Unibioscreen S.A. today announced that they
have entered into a global agreement to develop and commercialize UNBS
5162, one of Unibioscreen's investigational drug and potential breakthrough
treatments for cancer. UNBS 5162 was discovered by Unibioscreen and is
currently in Phase I trials in the United States in cancer patients with
advanced solid tumors or lymphoma.
"This is an important milestone for Drais as we focus on building a
portfolio of novel therapeutics," said Dr. Donna L. Tempel, president and
chief executive officer of Drais Pharmaceuticals. "Partnering with
innovative companies like Unibioscreen is an important step towards
implementing our strategy of in-licensing and developing novel therapeutic
treatments that meet unmet medical needs."
Under the terms of the agreement, Unibioscreen will receive upfront,
development and regulatory milestones payments up to $31 million, in
addition to commercial milestone payments. The license grants exclusive
rights to Drais to develop and commercialize UNBS 5162 worldwide.
Christiane Verhaegen, chief executive officer and chief financial
officer of Unibioscreen commented: "Unibioscreen's deal with Drais is a key
milestone for both the development of the drug candidate and for the
company as it provides validation of Unibioscreen's promising pipeline of
potential cancer treatments in addition to monetary benefits. We are
confident that Drais' experienced team will maximize the progression of
UNBS 5162 and believe this agreement will provide excellent value for both
partners." Denis Biju-Duval, Head of ING Belgium Corporate Investments
added: "The agreement illustrates the ability of Unibioscreen to
successfully exploit its unique technology and know-how. Unibioscreen will
continue to innovate in the oncology sector."
About UNBS 5162
UNBS 5162 is a novel anti-cancer naphthalimide discovered, patented &
developed by Unibioscreen. In preclinical studies, UNBS 5162 has shown
antitumor activity in several cancer models and is currently in a Phase I
trial.
UNBS 5162 is anti-angiogenic in vivo, and has been shown to decrease
CXCL chemokine expression in experimental prostate cancers. UNBS 5162 is a
pan- antagonist of CXCL chemokines when administered in vitro chronically
at 1 µM, which is a drug concentration compatible with the doses used in
vivo. The mode of action, as assessed by a National Cancer Institute
comparative screen, appears to be unique.
In an orthotopic model of human refractory prostate cancer, UNBS 5162
has been demonstrated to function synergistically with the anti-tumor
effects of taxol. The drug also increases the therapeutic benefits of
radiotherapy.
The Phase I trial is currently being conducted under the supervision of
Daniel Von Hoff, M.D. at TGen Clinical Research Services at The Virginia G.
Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and
the University of Arizona Cancer Center Tucson.
About Unibioscreen S.A.
Unibioscreen is a specialist oncology drug discovery and development
company, working on novel, first-in-class compounds, with two blockbuster-
potential drugs candidates starting clinical development.
Unibioscreen's core business is the identification and development of
new chemical entities for the targeted treatment of cancer and its
metastases. The company's focus is on cytotoxic/cytostatic
chemotherapeutics that kill apoptosis-resistant and multidrug resistant
cancer cells, and anti-migratory drug candidates that fight metastases.
Most of Unibioscreen's drug candidates are derived from molecules observed
in natural plants or marine invertebrates. Unibioscreen will continue to
develop novel compounds in the clinic.
More information is available on http://www.unibioscreen.com
About Drais Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Drais Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately held, drug development
company dedicated to the in-licensing, development and commercialization of
novel therapeutic treatments that address unmet medical needs, providing
significant benefits over currently available therapies.
Formed in September 2007, Drais completed a Series A financing round in
January 2008 from lead investors, InterWest Partners (Menlo Park, CA) and
Sutter Hill Ventures (Palo Alto, CA). The Drais management team consists of
highly experienced individuals with a successful track record in the
pharmaceutical industry. Prior to forming Drais, the management team
founded AkaRx, Inc. Drais is based in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
For more information, please visit: http://www.draispharma.com.
CONTACT:
Drais Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Unibioscreen S.A.
James F. Lynch, PhD Christiane Verhaegen
Chief Business Officer Chief Executive Officer
+ 1 (908) 895-1216 +32 476 98 10 78
Dimitri Dimitriou
Chief Business Officer
+44 794 929 3222
SOURCE Drais Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Unibioscreen S.A.
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Related links:
http://www.draispharma.com
http://www.unibioscreen.com
CONTACT:
James F. Lynch, PhD, Chief Business Officer,
Drais Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-908-895-1216; Christiane
Verhaegen, Chief Executive Officer, +32-476-98-10-78, or Dimitri
Dimitriou, Chief Business Officer, +44- 794-929-3222, both of
Unibioscreen S.A.
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