Ligand earns $1 million for GSK platelet trials

SB-497115 mimics the activity of thrombopoietin (TPO), a protein factor that promotes growth and production of blood platelets. If the drug ultimately is approved and marketed, Ligand could receive double-digit royalties on product sales.

Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) is a common side effect of many chemotherapies and can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, thus representing a significant problem in the treatment of cancer patients.

Similarly, thrombocytopenia is commonly seen in patients undergoing myelosuppressive therapies or in those with leukemias or metastatic tumors. Currently, thrombocytopenia patients have few therapeutic options other than platelet transfusions.

There are no approved TPO agents for the treatment or prevention of thrombocytopenias. SB-497115 is being developed for the treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with chemotherapy or disease states, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura and chronic liver disease.

“GSK’s decision to move SB497115…into phase II development is an exciting step forward for patients with thrombocytopenia,” said Dr Andres Negro-Vilar, Ligand’s executive vice president of R&D and chief scientific officer. “[SB-497115] is the first product to move into phase II studies from our growth factor collaboration with GSK and represents an accelerated development and registration track opportunity with targeted NDA submission in 2006.”