The drug is an antisense inhibitor of thymidylate synthase (TS), a well-known drug target that protects cancer cells from the effects of several chemotherapy treatments. In preclinical studies, antisense inhibition of TS suppressed human tumor cell growth and overcame tumor cell resistance to marketed TS-targeted drugs.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sarissa will pay Isis a $1 million upfront fee in exchange for the exclusive, worldwide license to the TS antisense drug. Sarissa will also pay Isis milestone payments for key clinical and regulatory achievements and royalties on product sales. Sarissa will be solely responsible for preclinical and clinical development of the drug.
“This licensing agreement with Isis will enable us to move our oncology drug discovery and development program forward,” said Dr Mark Vincent, president and CEO of Sarissa.
“The combination of our knowledge of the biological role of thymidylate synthase with Isis’ expertise in antisense discovery and development and second-generation chemistry has the potential to yield an exciting and cutting-edge treatment for cancer,” he continued.