- 'In Silico' Drug Discovery Trend Accelerates -
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Trega Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRGA)
announced that Janssen Research Foundation (JRF) and The R.W. Johnson
Pharmaceutical Research Institute (PRI), members of the Johnson & Johnson
(NYSE: JNJ) family of companies, have licensed the first two modules of
Trega's iDEA(TM) predictive models -- absorption and metabolism. The iDEA(TM)
models are designed to simulate in the computer (in silico) how new drug
candidates are processed in the body. Trega has granted JRF and PRI a
multi-year worldwide license to the iDEA(TM) absorption and metabolism
modules, including all upgrades and enhancements. JRF and PRI will
collaborate with Trega to further enhance the predictive capabilities of
iDEA(TM). This license expands Trega's existing relationship with PRI, which
was an original member of the consortium of companies that contributed to the
development of the initial iDEA(TM) absorption module.
"We welcome the expansion of our relationship with PRI and the addition of
JRF," said Michael G. Grey, Trega's President and CEO. "In silico testing,
which provides pharmaceutical companies with a method to predict
bioavailability without using animal testing models, is gaining momentum.
With this deal, seven of the world's top tier pharmaceutical companies have
accessed iDEA(TM) through multi-year or initial licenses."
By year-end 2000, Trega expects that both the absorption and metabolism
iDEA(TM) modules will be available via a company's intranet, which will allow
unlimited access to the modules worldwide. This will give an entire
organization immediate access to the latest available software versions of the
iDEA modules, enabling consistent use of the iDEA models to predict
bioavailability throughout the drug discovery and development effort.
Trega developed the absorption module of the iDEA(TM) predictive model, an
acronym for "In Vitro Determination for the Estimation of ADME" (absorption,
distribution, metabolism and excretion), with input from a consortium of
pharmaceutical companies. The iDEA(TM) absorption module was constructed to
simulate the physiological process of drug absorption, and incorporates human
physiological parameters. The model is based on information from a
proprietary database of in vitro and human in vivo pharmacokinetic data for
selected drugs and drug candidates, including many that failed in the
development process. This set of compounds is unique in that it represents a
diverse set of drug properties. Trega plans to introduce a metabolism module
commercially and intends to develop additional modules that will enable the
complete prediction of bioavailability.
Trega Biosciences, Inc. is a premier provider of products designed to
accelerate and improve drug discovery through its iDiscovery(TM) technologies
linking biology and chemistry with information technologies. Trega's iDEA(TM)
family of information-based predictive models simulate, in silico, how drug
candidates will be processed in the body, thereby enabling selection of those
with optimal characteristics for clinical development. Together with its
iDEA(TM) products, Trega's ChemFolio(R) libraries of information-enhanced
small molecules are designed to facilitate the identification and optimization
of drug candidates. For additional information on Trega, please visit our Web
site at http://www.trega.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including whether the Company's resources are
sufficient to enable it to reach its objectives as described above, whether
the iDEA(TM) predictive models will be successfully completed, operated or
commercialized, whether any research to be conducted as described will be
successful, whether competitive products and pricing will have a significant
impact on marketing success, whether any corporate collaborations or alliances
will be formed or will be successful, and other risks detailed from time to
time in Trega's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-
looking statements represent Trega's judgment as of the date of this release.
Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Trega disclaims,
however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Trega Biosciences, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.trega.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/374050.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 374050
CONTACT:
Gerard A. Wills, Chief Financial Officer,
858-410-6695, or Cynthia Reindal, Associate, Corporate
Communications & Investor Relations, 858-410-6601, both of Trega
Biosciences, Inc.; or Marcia Kean, Managing Director of Feinstein
Kean Healthcare, 617-577-8110, for Trega Biosciences, Inc.
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