This extension provides Renovis with additional research funding through to June 2008 and reflects the goal of Pfizer and Renovis to advance multiple, small molecule VR1 antagonists toward clinical development.
The VR1 receptor is a member of a related group of ion channel proteins known as the transient receptor potential (TRP) family that mediate and influence cell signaling. Inhibitors of VR1 are predicted to be useful in the treatment of pain, urinary incontinence and other diseases and disorders.
“We partnered our VR1 program with Pfizer in June 2005 at a preclinical stage because we believed that safe and effective antagonists of VR1 could potentially address major medical needs in multiple therapeutic areas and we wanted to work with a partner capable of aggressively pursuing this broad potential with us,” stated Corey Goodman, president and CEO of Renovis.
Under the terms of the extension, Pfizer will continue to fund all aspects of the collaboration including the research and preclinical development efforts at Renovis.