A global independent biopharmaceutical development company specialising in oncology and serious medical conditions, The Debiopharm Group, is investigating under preclinical development a highly potent inhibitor of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signalling, Debio-0719.
Discovered by Kirin in a screen for small molecule inhibitors of LPA receptors, Debio-0719 was formerly named Ki16425/Ki16198.
LPA plays multiple key roles in human cancer, including cancer cell growth, survival, invasion and metastasis. The inappropriate production of LPA in most cancers and its role in controlling multiple signal transduction pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis make it a highly compelling therapeutic target for cancer.
An exclusive R&D and commercialisation agreement for Debio-0719 has been signed recently by Debiopharm with Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd. (OTC: KNBWY, TYO: 2503).
The terms of the agreement include the following:
- Debiopharm will fully manage and fund the development of Debio-0719, before out-licensing to sales and marketing partners in all territories outside of Asia, where Kirin will maintain development and commercialisation rights.
- Kirin will receive milestone payments, as well as royalties based on Debiopharm's revenues from worldwide sales.
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