AMRI collaborates with BMS on drug leads

Albany Molecular Research has entered into a two-year natural products-based drug discovery collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS).

AMRI will test samples from its natural product hit seeking collections against multiple drug targets, with the goal of identifying hit compounds with desired biological activity in a potential range of therapeutic areas. In addition, AMRI may provide follow-up medicinal chemistry hit-to-lead optimisation, biocatalysis or chemical synthesis support on compounds of interest to BMS.

The collaboration includes an upfront payment, research funding and opportunities for AMRI to receive milestone payments. AMRI would also receive royalty payments on sales of commercial products that result from the collaboration. More specific financial terms were not disclosed.

With almost 300,000 crude and partially purified fractions, AMRI has a large natural products-based collection derived from microbial cultures, plants and marine organisms.

This is AMRI's second collaboration with BMS. The two companies have a separate, ongoing collaboration into new treatments for disorders of the central nervous system.