The drug is a patented oligonucleotide that specifically blocks NF-kB, a transcription factor that activates pro-inflammatory genes, and is currently in Phase II testing for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
The agreement with AnGes gives Meyer Pharmaceuticals exclusive development and marketing rights for the NF-kB decoy in treating widespread diseases not adequately managed by current therapeutics. These include skin diseases like dermatitis, orthopedic diseases like arthritis, airway diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The licensed territory includes North America and Europe, with AnGes retaining co-promotion rights in the European Union. AnGes will continue to develop the NF-kB decoy for marketing in Japan.
Tetsuya Gatanaga, Meyer’s executive vice president and chief scientific officer, said: “The NF-kB decoy is particularly attractive for treating inflammatory disease for several reasons. It is highly specific, like antibody molecules that are now standard therapy for arthritis. But the NF-kB decoy is a smaller drug, which means it is easier to administer and considerably less expensive.
“Another important feature is that it can be administered directly to the site of inflammation, such as the skin lesions in dermatitis, and symptomatic joints in rheumatoid arthritis. We have acquired a technology that will be the first in its class.”