GSK invests in science of anti-ageing
pharmafile | April 30, 2008 | News story | Research and Development |
GlaxoSmithKline is to buy up biopharmaceutical company Sirtris, which specialises in research into the ageing process and related diseases.
The British pharmaceutical company will spend $720 million (£362 million) acquiring the company, but will allow it to remain an autonomous research unit at its current base in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The science behind Sirtris's work is based on a recently discovered class of enzymes called sirtuins, which play an important role in maintaining normal cellular function.
In particular, sirtuins improve the function of mitochondria which generate energy in cells and are activated as part of a natural process that maintains healthy function.
But sirtins are normally kept in check by the body, and Sirtris is developing drugs which switch on or control the enzymes, potentially creating new therapies for metabolic, neurological, immunological and inflammatory diseases.
Its focus to date has been on the development of SIRT1 activators for the treatment of type II diabetes, but both companies believe the research could produce a range of new therapies.
Sirtris's lead candidate is for type II diabetes and is currently in phase I. Known as RT501, the compound is a proprietary formulation of resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine which studies have shown to prolong the life of mice and slow the progress of age-related diseases such as diabetes.
Moncef Slaoui, head of R&D at GlaxoSmithKline, commented on the exciting potential of Sirtris' work.
"Modulation of this family of enzymes is a potentially transformative science that could address diseases associated with metabolism and ageing such as diabetes, muscle wasting, and neurodegeneration."
He added: "This acquisition continues GSK's strategy of pursuing the best new science, externally or internally, to bring new medicines to patients and value to the GSK pipeline.
"Our intent is to retain all Sirtris employees and continue the entrepreneurial and innovative culture they created."
Sirtris will become part of GSK's Drug Discovery organisation, but will retain its independence, in keeping with the new orthodoxy that drug discovery works best on a small scale.
Sirtris' chief executive Dr Christoph Westphal will continue to lead this autonomous unit.
He commented: "We have built a dynamic and scientifically-driven organisation. We expect this transaction will accelerate our vision to target sirtuins to treat diseases of metabolism and ageing and deliver tremendous value to patients, our shareholders and our employees. We look forward to working with GlaxoSmithKline and their world-class research, development and commercialisation organisation."
Sirtris is not the only company investigating the potential of the enzymes. On the west coast of America, Elixir pharmaceuticals has its own development programmes, and is also focusing on diabetes treatments.
