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news.Pharmion and MethylGene have agreed to collaborate on the development of novel small molecule inhibitors targeting sirtuins, a class of histone deacetylase enzymes implicated in cell survival and death.
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The agreement expands upon an existing alliance between the companies. Under the new terms, Pharmion’s milestone payments to MethylGene could reach approximately $22 million, based on the achievement of development and regulatory goals, with the nearest-term milestone of $2 million to be paid upon enrollment of the first patient in a Phase I trial. In addition, Pharmion could pay MethylGene up to approximately $79 million upon the achievement of sales milestones.
Pharmion and MethylGene’s class I specific histone deacetylase enzymes (HDAC) inhibitor, MGCD0103, has demonstrated efficacy in a number of tumor types, and the sirtuins represent potentially attractive novel cancer targets within a related family of enzymes, the companies said.
Inhibition of sirtuins leads to reduced growth of cancer cells, and anticancer effects have been observed with SIRT1 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo, according to the companies. Two epigenetic therapy combinations are already under active investigation in Phase II studies combining Pharmion’s Vidaza, a DNA hypomethylating agent, with Pharmion and MethylGene’s HDAC inhibitor, MGCD0103. The parties intend to explore combinations with resulting anti-sirtuins as well.
This agreement expands the January 2006 license and collaboration agreement between Pharmion and MethylGene for the research, development and commercialization of MethylGene’s oncology HDAC inhibitors, led by MGCD0103, which is currently in Phase II clinical trials.