Roche to co-develop transplantation drug
Swiss company Roche has signed an agreement with Isotechnika, an international life sciences company based in Edmonton, Canada, for the global
co-development of Isotechnika's innovative transplantation medicine ISATX247. The immunosuppressant ISATX247 is a novel calcineurin inhibitor for use in organ transplantation and in the treatment of auto-immune diseases.
The product is currently undergoing Phase II human clinical trials in renal transplantation and psoriasis, and studies have indicated that it is considerably more potent and significantly less toxic than other immunosuppressants in this class.
Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will make up-front and milestone payments to Isotechnika, which could amount to US$215m
(€244m). The company will also pay Isotechnika a percentage of gross profits and meet 70% of the development cost of the drug. In return Roche is granted exclusive worldwide marketing rights to ISATX247.
'Roche is already a major player in the area of transplantation therapies and ISATX247 has the potential to significantly strengthen our position in this important field,' stated William M. Burns, head of Roche's pharmaceuticals division.