As part of the agreement, Ergomed will advance the oral formulation of tasidotin, developed by Genzyme, into clinical trials. In an earlier Phase II clinical trial sponsored by Genzyme, the intravenous formulation of tasidotin demonstrated clinical activity in patients with melanoma.
Tasidotin’s mechanism of action is believed to inhibit cell proliferation by suppressing spindle microtubule dynamics through a reduction of the shortening rate; reduction of the switching frequency from growth to shortening; and reduction of the time microtubules grow.
This is reportedly the second co-development deal that Ergomed has completed and is an addition to the ongoing Phase II partnership with Paion in cancer pain.
Miroslav Reljanovic, CEO of Ergomed, said: “Tasidotin has a promising future with established human clinical safety and a solid rationale for efficacy against particular cancers. We are delighted to have signed our second development license agreement in line with our stated strategy for Ergomed’s product development division to assist both biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners in the successful clinical development of drug candidates.”