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news.Perlegen Sciences and Mitsubishi Pharma have signed a licensing agreement for the late-stage development and commercialization of MCC-555 for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
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Perlegen intends to apply its leading whole genome pharmacogenomics technology to improve upon the demonstrated efficacy and safety profile of MCC-555 (a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, or PPAR, agonist), which has been tested in over 1,000 patients. By guiding treatment to patients most likely to benefit, the companies expect this ‘personalization’ of the drug to provide superior therapeutic benefit in an area of significant medical need.
Despite the availability of different diabetes treatments, many patients still fail to achieve adequate glycemic control, which can lead to serious complications including retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. Moreover, patients are often not prescribed their optimal treatment regimen immediately, resulting in potentially months of inadequate glycemic control. The availability of a personalized PPAR agonist for diabetes can contribute significantly to the quality of care for these patients.
Under the terms of the agreement, Perlegen will have exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Asia, to develop and commercialize MCC-555. Mitsubishi will receive an upfront cash payment and could receive additional cash and equity payments upon the achievement of certain milestones.
Mitsubishi will also receive an exclusive license to use Perlegen-identified predictive genetic markers for use with the therapeutic in Asia. Perlegen and Mitsubishi will each receive royalties from product sales of the drug in the respective territories of the other party.
“We are entering an era in which we can provide medicines to patients that reflect their individual genetic differences, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Brad Margus, CEO of Perlegen. “The introduction of this compound into the Perlegen portfolio establishes the foundation of our personalized medicine pipeline in metabolic diseases.”
“Mitsubishi has made ‘tailored medicine’ an integral part of its strategy, and we are excited to partner with Perlegen,” said Takeshi Komine, president of Mitsubishi Pharma. “By licensing MCC-555 to Perlegen, we have given it a renewed opportunity to achieve significant commercial success.”