Under the agreement, Anacor and MMV will work together on the development of AN3661 through human proof-of-concept studies.
AN3661 was developed as part of a research agreement signed by the two parties in April 2010 to identify new compounds for the treatment of malaria using Anacor’s boron chemistry.
It is the first candidate arising out of the research agreement to move into preclinical development.
Anacor Pharmaceuticals CEO David Perry said the combination of their boron chemistry platform and research capabilities and MMV’s funding and disease expertise will enable them to develop AN3661 into a new therapeutic to treat.
MMV chief scientific officer Tim Wells said they look forward to working closely with Anacor, putting this compound through the rigors of preclinical studies to develop a new and effective next generation antimalarial.