Pfizer backs new biotech firm
pharmafile | November 6, 2012 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Pfizer, Sandwich, Ziarco
Pfizer is one of the main backers of new biotech company Ziarco, launched by four of the manufacturer’s ex-employees.
The new firm, which aims to target inflammatory and allergic diseases, has just received £3.75 million in funding and hopes to get £16.8 million in all in its first round of financing.
The money has come from the Biotechnology Value Fund and Pfizer Venture Investments: and Pfizer itself – in return for equity and royalty payments – has also signed a deal for exclusive worldwide rights to commercialise a number of clinical, pre-clinical and research assets.
Ziarco’s most advanced clinical programme is a histamine H4 receptor (H4R) antagonist, ZPL-3893787, which could be used to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis, pain and several inflammatory skin conditions.
Ziarco chief executive Mike Yeadon was formerly vice president and chief scientific officer of Pfizer’s allergy and respiratory research unit.
Steve Liu, Ziarco’s chief scientific officer, Lynn Purkins, head of clinical development and Arif Shivji, head of business development, are all former Pfizer colleagues.
The Canterbury-based start-up has in effect risen from the ashes of what was Pfizer’s main European research centre at Sandwich in Kent: 1,500 staff have been made redundant there since February 2011, when Pfizer announced it was moving out.
Ziarco’s pipeline includes:
- a histamine H4 receptor antagonist programme, with a lead compound that has completed a Phase I study
- a clinical stage cytosolic phosholipase A2 (cPLA2) inhibitor, which the company says is “the most advanced in development worldwide”
- histamine H3 receptor antagonists possessing CNS-sparing properties
- early-stage topical spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor molecules.
“Each programme in development at Ziarco has the potential to be a first-in-class therapeutic and because they target critical points within inflammatory and allergic pathways they offer treatment options for diverse and difficult-to-manage diseases,” said Yeadon.
Ziarco is not the only business to emerge from Sandwich: seven former Pfizer employees have also set up a new firm on the site to provide outsourcing services for the pharma industry.
Adam Hill
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