Cyclacel and Genzyme in renal disease collaboration

Cyclacel Group, of Dundee in Scotland, has entered into an agreement with Genzyme Corporation in the field of renal diseases involving some of its preclinical stage Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) inhibitor molecules.

The Cyclacel compounds act selectively on CDK enzyme targets and possess drug-like properties. Under the terms of the agreement, Cyclacel has granted Genzyme an exclusive option to license two preclinical stage CDK inhibitors for further development in renal diseases and some related conditions.

Genzyme will conduct a preclinical evaluation of the compounds. During the option period the parties may pursue a collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialisation of the Cyclacel compounds.

Spiro Rombotis, Cyclacel's ceo, said: 'We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with Genzyme with the objective of exploring the utility of selected Cyclacel CDK inhibitors in the field of renal diseases. This transaction validates our belief that CDK inhibitors may have therapeutic applications beyond oncology. It also demonstrates our strategy of pursuing our oncology candidates to an advanced stage of clinical development before seeking alliances, while seeking to partner other therapeutic areas outside cancer at an earlier stage.'

Cyclacel scientists and academic collaborators have demonstrated the beneficial effects of pharmacological CDK inhibition in preclinical models of renal disease including lupus nephritis, crescentic glomerulonephritis, HIV associated nephropathy and IgA nephropathy.