MedImmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDI) and Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have entered into an agreement for joint development and commercialization of novel small molecule cancer drugs targeting Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) and the Hedgehog cell-signaling pathway.
Hsp90 and the Hedgehog pathway, in preclinical studies have demonstrated implication implicated in the growth and survival of a broad range of blood-related and solid tumor types.
Included in the said agreement is the most advanced of the drug candidates, IPI-504, an Hsp90 inhibitor already studied in two disease-focused Phase 1 trials.
According to Edward T. Mathers, MedImmune's executive vice president, corporate development and venture:
"Hsp90 and Hedgehog are among the most attractive targeted therapy opportunities in cancer research today, and the Infinity programs have a very strong competitive position.
With IPI-504, we have a promising drug candidate with already-established preclinical in vivo proof of concept and the potential to reach the market by 2010.
In collaboration with Infinity, we plan to accelerate development of the intravenous formulation of IPI-504, as well as to expand into additional tumor types.
In addition, we expect to be able to commence clinical testing of the next generation oral formulation of IPI-504, as well as an oral formulation of a hedgehog inhibitor within the next 12 to 18 months."
MedImmune and Infinity will equally share all costs and profits from the development and commercialization of any future products, as included in the terms of agreement.
On top of which, Infinity could receive up to an additional $430 million in milestone payments related to the companies' achieving certain late-stage clinical development and sales targets for any future products resulting from the collaboration.
More details from the full press release.
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