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news.Sanofi-aventis and Ascenta Therapeutics have entered into an exclusive global collaboration and licensing agreement on a number of compounds that could restore tumor cell apoptosis.
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The compounds inhibit the p53-HDM2 (Human Double Minute 2) protein-protein interaction, leading to reactivation of p53 tumour suppressor functions and therefore enhancing current cancer treatments.
As per the agreement, sanofi-aventis is expected to receive an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialise all compounds issued from this program. Two compounds, MI-773 and MI-519-64 are currently expected to enter preclinical development in 2010.
Reportedly, Ascenta has in-licensed those compounds from the University of Michigan. Both Sanofi-aventis and Ascenta will provide funding for the ongoing research of p53-HDM2 inhibitors at the University of Michigan and Ascenta may participate in ongoing research activities and potential future clinical development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ascenta is expected to receive an upfront payment, as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. All such payments could reach a total of $398m. In addition, Ascenta will be eligible to receive tiered royalties on worldwide product sales.
Debasish Roychowdhury, senior vice president, global oncology at Sanofi-aventis, said: “This new partnership continues to illustrate sanofi-aventis’ commitment to develop innovative targeted therapies in Oncology.
“The inhibition of protein-protein interaction is always a challenge in discovery, and the finding of potent and selective compounds could offer an attractive new therapeutic approach for cancer patients. This approach is perfectly in line with the company’s strategy to find new drugs focused on patient specific needs.”