BMS launches new fibrosis research collaboration
pharmafile | January 6, 2015 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | BMS, BMS-986020, calibr, california, fibrosis, fibrotic
Bristol-Myers Squibb is entering into an agreement with the California Institute for Biomedical Research to develop new treatments for fibrotic diseases.
BMS and the California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) have negotiated a worldwide research collaboration to develop small molecule anti-fibrotic therapies. The license agreement will allow the American company to develop, manufacture and sell any pre-clinical compounds that are then produced.
Dr Carl Decicco who is BMS’ R&D head of discovery, says the collaboration “further strengthens our speciality portfolio and advances the company’s fibrotic diseases pipeline. Calibr’s innovative discovery program in fibrosis represents an opportunity to develop new treatment approaches for patients.”
“Progressing our small molecule anti-fibrotic program toward the clinic represents a critical step in our mission to deliver therapies for unmet medical needs to patients,” says Dr Peter Schultz, Calibr’s director and founder, and adds: “We are delighted to accelerate these efforts by partnering with Bristol-Myers Squibb.”
Fibrosis occurs when the body’s natural healing process goes awry and creates extra scar tissue. There are dozens of fibrotic diseases, including atherosclerosis, asthma, cirrhosis, scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis.
Currently there are no treatments that prevent fibrotic tissue from forming, but often anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs can slow the progression of fibrosis.
BMS has other interests in this clinical area, including BMS-986020 in Phase II development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
In November the company announced an agreement with Galecto Biotech that included the exclusive option to acquire the firm and gain worldwide rights to TD139, a drug in Phase I for the treatment of IPF and other pulmonary fibrotic conditions.
Meanwhile, Takeda and Amag Pharmaceuticals have agreed to end a licensing agreement, which the companies struck in March 2010. The deal had granted Takeda exclusive rights to market Rienso/Feraheme (ferumoxytol) in the EU, Switzerland, Canada, and other geographic territories.
Amag will retain the marketing authorisation for the drug in all territories, and will decide new commercial strategies pending the outcome of applications to extend the drug’s licence in Canada and the EU, which are expected in 2015.
Lilian Anekwe
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