Debiopharm and Yale University sign worldwide agreement

Published: 4-May-2011

To develop Debio 1036, an inhibitor for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases


Switzerland-based biopharmaceutical firm Debiopharm Group and Yale University in the US have signed an exclusive worldwide agreement to develop and commercialise Debio 1036, an inhibitor for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Debio 1036 is an orally available small molecule that antagonises a key mediator in the inflammation process. This target is said to be unique in several ways due to its action early on in the inflammatory cascade and its ability to regulate cell growth and apoptosis.

‘Yale’s leadership in marrying chemistry and biology to identify and validate lead drug candidates has yielded a new approach to treating inflammatory disease. The Debio 1036 project aims at developing inhibitors targeting a fundamental inflammatory pathway, which plays essential roles in myriad diseases progression and severity,’ said Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and founder of Debiopharm.

‘The relationship with Debiopharm is a stellar example of the complementarities between academic discovery and commercial development,’ added Richard Levin, Yale University president.

‘We sincerely believe this agreement represents the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Yale and Debiopharm.’

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