Shire in-licenses rights to tissue technology from Warren

The agreement gives Shire exclusive worldwide rights to develop tissue protective cytokines (TPCs) in non-nervous system indications, including renal and genetic disease areas.

TPCs are modifications of erythropoietin (EPO), are produced by the kidneys and regulate red cell production.

EPO has been shown to be effective when administered to boost red blood cell counts of patients with both renal and chemotherapy-induced anemia. There is considerable evidence that EPO also protects against cell death. This potentially makes the therapy useful in a wide variety of disease areas.

“The technology developed by Warren Pharmaceuticals provides an excellent strategic fit within our human genetic therapies and renal businesses, with the potential to build a franchise around TPCs in a broad range of indications,” said Shire chief executive Matthew Emmens.