Pfizer to collaborate with Archemix on aptamer therapies

Aptamers are chemically synthesized single-stranded nucleic acids, which can be made to imitate antibodies. As part of the collaboration, Archemix will use its proprietary SELEX technology to discover and generate product candidates to three disease-associated targets identified by Pfizer. Pfizer will be responsible for developing and commercializing the resulting product candidates.

Under the terms of the agreement, Archemix will receive an upfront cash payment as well as research funding and development milestones. Archemix is also entitled to receive a royalty on any marketed products developed under the collaboration. Detailed financial terms were not disclosed.

“We believe that the combination of Archemix's aptamer approach and Pfizer's drug development capabilities will allow therapeutic aptamers to be advanced rapidly,” said Dr Errol De Souza, president and CEO of Archemix.

“We have now completed three major partnerships in the last six months, and our collaboration with Pfizer is another example of the value of our aptamer technology and reflects the growing enthusiasm for the potential of aptamer therapeutics.”