BioLeap enters research collaboration with Kyorin
With the aim of producing novel drug candidates
BioLeap, a US developer of molecular design technology, has entered into a research collaboration with Tokyo-based Kyorin Pharmaceuticals to produce novel drug candidates.
Under the agreement, BioLeap of Pennington, New Jersey will use its proprietary technology in computational fragment-based design to identify compounds aimed at biological targets of interest to Kyorin.
A team from both companies will then select compounds for synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation by Kyorin.
Terms of the agreement including discovery milestones have not been disclosed.
David Pompliano, chief executive officer of BioLeap, said: ‘Our molecular design technology and Kyorin’s drug discovery experiences and know-how are a powerful combination.’
Masakatsu Komuro, executive director, r&d headquarters of Kyorin, added: ‘This investment allows us properly to evaluate a technology that could prove useful in leading to new drug candidates.’
BioLeap uses its proprietary software to design drug candidates through its internal programmes and in collaboration with partners. In the first six months of 2011, the firm entered into research agreements with DuPont, Syngenta, and Unilever.
Kyorin’s in-house research is concentrated on the therapeutic areas respiratory, urology and infection.
