Cenes and Tripos extend Parkinson’s partnership

Following Cenes’ innovative research program that began in 2003, the two companies have been working together and have identified several series of novel compounds active against the clinically validated target catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).

As part of the ongoing collaboration, Tripos is using its knowledge-driven chemistry process to facilitate rapid lead identification, follow-up and chemical optimization of candidate molecules. Using structure-based design tools, novel compounds were selected, synthesized and screened for biological activity. The new project will involve the optimization of these active compounds.

“Cenes is excited about this discovery program’s potential to deliver improved drugs for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr Gary Tilbrook, chemistry director for Cenes. “Important recent data also shows that our COMT inhibitors may have therapeutic utility in psychotic disorders including schizophrenia.”

Two COMT inhibitors are currently available. As Cenes’ CEO, Neil Clark, explained, one of these COMT inhibitors (Novartis’ Comtan) does not enter the brain effectively and the other (Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ Tasmar) has been associated with serious liver toxicity. Cenes hopes to identify compounds without these drawbacks.