The Combinatorial Chemistry Center of the chemistry department of Moscow State University (MSU) has agreed to apply its expertise to provide Upstream with drug candidates for in vivo testing against these tropical parasitic diseases.
Under the terms of this one-year renewable agreement, MSU has agreed to synthesize compounds to add to Upstream’s library and supply Upstream with quantities of compounds sufficient for in vitro and in vivo mouse, livestock and non-human primate testing. Initial in vivo studies of Upstream’s candidates against trypanosomiasis parasites are expected to be completed in early 2008.
Joel Bellenson, CEO of Upstream, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to build on the relationship that Upstream scientific consultant Artem Cherkasov has established with MSU in order to advance our drug development programs. Once we identify our lead development candidates, we look forward to continuing to work with MSU chemists to produce the compounds and drug supply needed for further testing.”