Predix to get $12.5 million for cystic fibrosis research

Predix will receive up to $12.5 million in milestone-driven funds over the next three years through a therapeutics development award from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics (CFFT).

The award funds two research programs. The first is focused on the defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. A mutation in the CFTR gene is one of the key factors that ultimately leads to the symptoms, complications and premature mortality in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Predix will use its proprietary PREDICT technology to identify sites for therapeutic intervention. Once these sites are identified, Predix expects to use its computational drug discovery capabilities to discover a drug that restores proper functioning to the channel in patients with CF.

The second program will use the technology to discover a small-molecule agonist to P2Y(2) to treat the disease. Predix will retain the right to develop and commercialize any compounds discovered through this second research program.

“We have been extremely impressed with Predix’s drug discovery and development track record,” stated Dr Robert Beall, president and CEO of the CF Foundation and CFFT. “This agreement will enable us to work with a cutting-edge company to focus on promising research to model the CFTR protein and identify disease targets. We are confident that collaborating on these research programs will move us closer to finding an effective therapy to restore function to CF cells in patients with cystic fibrosis.”