Sunesis and SARcode have previously entered into a license agreement providing SARcode with an exclusive license to Sunesis’s LFA-1 technology to develop LFA-1 inhibitors.
As part of the license agreement, Sunesis has earned a milestone payment from SARcode of $500,000 and a $375,000 convertible note. The next payable milestone, if earned, will be for initiation of the Phase II clinical program.
Tom Gadek, CEO of SARcode, said: “LFA-1 antagonists mediate both migration and adhesion of the white blood cells to sites of inflammation as part of the body’s immune response.
“Lead indications for LFA-1 include dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis, both large indications with unmet medical needs. The results of this study will inform dose selection for several Phase II studies to commence in the first half of 2009.”