To develop novel imaging compounds for the detection of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other disorders also associated with neuroinflammation such as multiple sclerosis), Bayer Schering Pharma AG (OTC: SHRGY) has signed a license and option agreement with Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd., and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Japan.
Dr. Hans Maier, Head of Business Unit Diagnostic Imaging at Bayer Schering Pharma, stated:
"We are convinced that innovations in molecular imaging have the potential to fundamentally improve the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Bayer Schering Pharma is already pursuing the development of tracers targeting amyloid plaques, a hallmark of this disease. Imaging of neuroinflammation as another important pathology will excellently complement these activities.
This agreement underscores our commitment to Alzheimer patients by developing innovative diagnostic methods for the early detection of the disease."
The terms of the agreement entitles Bayer Schering Pharma to worldwide exclusive rights to develop and market the respective products (a compound class whose patent jointly owned by Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd. and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences) for use with PET scanning technology.
Find more details from the press release.
[Photo Credit: Network Medica]
Comment Preview