Millennium announces new development candidate for IBD

MLN3126 is a selective antagonist of CCR9, a chemokine receptor known to be important in the migration of inflammatory cells into the gastrointestinal tract. MLN3126 expands the company’s inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) franchise.

In preclinical models, MLN3126 has shown to be potent and selective in vitro and active as an orally administered molecule in an animal model of IBD. The molecule is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials in early 2009.

Deborah Dunsire, CEO of Millennium, said: “The development of MLN3126 leverages our knowledge and experience in the area of IBD, a key focus area for Millennium.”