Company |
University/ |
Type of agreement |
Product area |
Details |
Date |
MARCH | |||||
Astrazeneca plc (London) |
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University Heart Centre, Singapore, and National University of Singapore |
Collaboration |
Academic collaboration that involves gaining access to a population in Singapore that can provide insights into heart failure |
The focus of the collaboration is to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and to determine biomarkers for the condition; the collaboration will further the study known as Singapore Heart Failure Outcomes & Phenotypes (SHOP) and will partner with the city-state’s G36 |
3/18/15 |
Astrazeneca plc (London) |
Harvard Stem Cell Institute |
Research collaboration |
To adapt a technique that creates human beta cells from stem cells for use in screens of the big pharma’s compound library in search for new treatments for diabetes |
The collaboration also aims to better understand how the function of beta cells declines in diabetes, and research findings will be made available to the broader scientific community through peer-reviewed publications; Astrazeneca will provide the funding for a team of investigators at HSCI as well as establish an in-house team in Sweden |
3/26/15 |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (New York) |
UK’s National Institute for Health Research |
Agreement |
To supply the approved drug, Orencia (abatacept), and a $4.5M grant to study the drug’s use in preventing rheumatoid arthritis |
NIHR researchers will lead the two-year study |
3/26/15 |
Glaxosmithkline plc (London) |
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory |
Collaboration |
Collaboration on developing a treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes |
Scientists will pursue drug development based on a new approach to regulate the enzymatic activity of the phosphatase PTP1B, and the goal of the multi-year collaboration is to identify potent, selective, orally bioavailable small molecules that inhibit PTP1B activity in vivo following stimulation by insulin and leptin, which would be expected to overcome insulin and leptin resistance that is encountered in the conditions |
3/24/15 |
Orion Corp. (Espoo, Finland) |
HUCH Comprehensive Cancer Center |
Extensive cooperation agreement |
Aimed at bringing all the clinical cancer drug studies launched by Orion to HUCH |
The agreement will enable more comprehensive research cooperation in the development of drug candidates |
3/27/15 |
Oxis Biotech Inc. (Tampa, Fla.) |
University of Pittsburgh |
Exclusive option agreement |
For certain patents/intellectual property relating to compositions of matter that could prove useful as therapeutics to treat various human diseases |
The term of the option is 18 months, during which the university will not offer third parties the opportunities to license those rights |
3/27/15 |
Shire plc (Dublin) |
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center |
Three-year collaboration for rare diseases |
The goal is to discover and develop therapies for diseases with high unmet need that combines Shire’s development and commercialization capabilities with Cincinnati Children’s research expertise |
Shire will make an initial, undisclosed up-front payment and will have the opportunity to fund and offer scientific support to selected research programs; Shire will have an exclusive option to enter a licensing agreement, after which it will be responsible for any further development and commercialization of candidates arising from the collaboration |
3/27/15 |
APRIL | |||||
Advaxis Inc. (Princeton, N.J.) |
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Foundation |
Collaboration |
To conduct a phase II/III trial of concurrent chemotherapy of mitomycin C/5FU and radiation therapy compared to CCRT combined with ADXS-HPV in the adjuvant treatment of high-risk locally advanced anal cancer |
ADXS-HPV is being studied in anal cancer, invasive cervical cancer and head and neck cancer |
4/7/15 |
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Mission Viejo, Calif.) |
National Jewish Health |
Worldwide, exclusive license agreement |
To develop a series of compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action |
Aeolus said the compounds might have applications in biodefense and medical indications |
4/16/15 |
Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (Quebec City) |
South Carolina Center for Therapeutic Discovery & Development |
Material transfer agreement |
For Aeterna to transfer its discovery library of 100,000 compounds to the unit of the Medical University of South Carolina |
The center will have long-term use of the library to discover drug candidates for the company in oncology, neurology, endocrinology and women’s health and will conduct screening and preclinical activities on library compounds with the goal of submitting at least one development candidate to Aeterna Zentaris annually for a 10-year period, beginning in 2018; the company will have right of first refusal to license those candidates, with MUSC entitled to a royalty on net sales of any resulting commercial products |
4/1/15 |
Astellas Pharma Inc. (Tokyo) |
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Collaboration |
To research and develop a new treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukemia that grants Astellas an option to firstly negotiate an exclusive, worldwide license at the end of phase Ib, with phase Ia and phase Ib studies to be conducted by MD Anderson |
The agreement includes up to $26M as an option premium as well as research and development funding |
4/6/15 |
Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (Basel, Switzerland) |
Consortium of organization, including the Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Research Technology, the Wellcome Trust and University of Manchester |
Agreement |
To gain worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize panRAF kinase inhibitors |
The consortium will lead phase I development for the lead compound, expected to begin this year; Basilea will assume full operational responsibility thereafter; the consortium is receiving an undisclosed up-front payment and is eligible for potential milestone payments on achievement of pre-specified clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on potential future net sales |
4/2/15 |
Berg Pharma LLC (Boston) |
Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Research Team |
Collaboration |
Aimed at discovering and validating the first-ever clinical biomarker to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer |
The BIDMC Cancer Center and PCRT will design clinical trials and provide both healthy and treated pancreatic tissue, bio-fluids and treatment results from patients to Berg for analysis using Berg’s Interrogative Biology platform, which can synthesize trillions of data points per sample |
4/9/15 |
Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Research Triangle Park, N.C.) |
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority |
Contract |
To continue development of BCX4430 to treat diseases caused by RNA pathogens, including filoviruses such as the Marburg and Ebola viruses |
The BARDA contract includes a base contract of $12.1M to support BCX4430 drug manufacturing and $22.9M in additional development options that may be exercised by the government, bringing the potential value to $35M; the scope of work under the base contract focuses mainly on drug manufacturing, including process improvement, scale-up and manufacture of BCX4430 in the U.S. over an 18-month period |
4/1/15 |
Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Bethesda, Md.) |
Israel Institute of Technology |
Research agreement |
To screen potential anticancer cannabinoid compounds |
Cannabics and a researcher from the Technion biology department will work together to develop a diagnostic system designed to screen cannabis-based active ingredients in a search for new cancer treatments |
4/7/15 |
Compugen Ltd. (Tel Aviv, Israel) |
National Institutes of Health |
Agreement |
To use systems and materials enabling the engineering of human T cells to specifically recognize tumor antigens on cancer cells |
Terms were not disclosed |
4/15/15 |
Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. (Tokyo) |
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute |
Licensing agreement |
To further develop a small molecule for the treatment of cardiovascular-metabolic disease |
The small molecule is based on biology work by a Sanford-Burnham scientist and his laboratory team |
4/3/15 |
Dandrit Biotech USA Inc. (Copenhagen) |
GISCAD Foundation |
Collaboration |
Relates to VIVA, a phase III adjuvant trial of Dandrit’s vaccine, in patients with no evidence of disease stage IV colorectal cancer |
The primary aim is to evaluate the ability of Melcancervac, or MCV, to prevent a relapse in patients rendered disease-free after completion of standard treatment according to local practices |
4/29/15 |
Diavax Biosciences (subsidiary of Coronado Biosciences Inc.; New York) |
City of Hope |
Option agreement |
For exclusive worldwide rights to Pentamer, a universal immunotherapeutic vaccine for the prevention of CMV transmission in utero |
If Diavax exercises its option, and successfully develops and commercializes the immunotherapies, City of Hope could receive more than $100M in up-front, milestone and other payments |
4/3/15 |
ES Cell International Pte Ltd. (subsidiary of Biotime Inc.; Alameda, Calif.) |
Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope (BRICOH) |
Nonexclusive license agreement |
ESI’s clinical-grade human embryonic stem (hES) cells will be manufactured and provided to BRICOH’s clinical collaborators |
Specific financial terms were not disclosed, but the licenses may entitle Biotime to receive additional revenues such as milestone payments related to the attainment of clinical trial and commercial milestones and royalties on product sales; Biotime and its subsidiaries retain the rights to manufacture their own stem cell-based products and to license rights to other third parties |
4/23/15 |
Foundation Medicine Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) |
National Cancer Institute |
Collaboration |
On the Exceptional Responders Initiative, a nationwide research study examining the molecular underpinnings that may lead to exceptional responses to drug therapies in those with cancer |
Tumor samples and pertinent clinical data will be obtained from more than 300 patients identified as exceptional responders, and the data will be analyzed |
4/21/15 |
Genvec Inc. (Gaithersburg, Md.) |
Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology (LMIV) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
Collaboration agreement |
Genvec and LMIV researchers will focus on Genvec’s gorilla adenovirus vectors, working on malaria vaccine candidates, with a goal to create vaccines that block the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, a malaria-causing parasite |
Genvec will develop the vaccines and LMIV, through its vaccine development unit, will conduct preclinical testing |
4/22/15 |
Genzyme Corp. (unit of Sanofi SA; Paris) |
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Inc. (Bethesda, Md.) |
Expanded research agreement |
To promote developing treatments for those with the F508del mutation |
The $14M expansion will support R&D programs aimed at identifying compounds, known as correctors, that could fix the defective CFTR protein in people with CF |
4/17/15 |
Geovax Labs Inc. (Atlanta) |
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
Research collaboration |
For development of its vaccines against Ebola and Marburg viruses |
NIAID will contribute materials, reagents and scientific advice for vaccine construction, done by Geovax, which also will characterize MVA-Ebola and MVA-Marburg recombinants in vitro and prepare MVA Ebola and Marburg vaccines for animal studies |
4/17/15 |
Glaxosmithkline plc (London) |
ALS Association, Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital Neurological Clinical Research Institute |
Collaboration |
On a new amyotrophic lateral sclerosis trial to include testing using stem cells from patients |
The trial will evaluate the potential of epilepsy drug, Retigabine (ezogabine), in ALS patients and will test brain cells made from each patient’s stem cells to see if they can predict which patients might respond to treatment |
4/17/15 |
Gtx Inc. (Memphis, Tenn.) |
University of Tennessee Research Foundation |
Exclusive worldwide license agreement |
To develop Gtx’s selective androgen receptor degrader technology, including those resistant to current therapies, in patients with progressive castration-resistant prostate cancer |
Financial terms were not disclosed |
4/24/15 |
Intrexon Corp. (Germantown, Md.) |
National Cancer Institute |
CRADA |
For the development of adoptive T-cell therapies utilizing its Rheoswitch Therapeutic System platform for the treatment of solid tumor malignancies |
The goal is to develop and evaluate improved adoptive cell transfer-based immunotherapies using NCI methods for the identification of autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes possessing naturally occurring antitumor activity combined with Intrexon’s RTS gene switch for introducing spatially and temporally controlled interleukin-12 expression |
4/3/15 |
Ipsen SA (Paris) |
Harvard University |
Multiyear research alliance |
Designed to stimulate new research projects |
The alliance will enable researchers at Ipsen and Harvard to identify and develop collaborative programs in the areas of neuroendocrine tumors, neuromuscular disorders and platform technologies related to toxins and peptides, and it builds on a three-year program initiated in July 2013 |
4/2/15 |
Ipsen SA (Paris) |
Hannover Medical School (Hannover, Germany) |
Joint research collaboration |
To develop new therapeutics for patients with serious neurological, endocrinological or oncological disease |
The research program aims at testing recombinant botulinum neurotoxin proteins to affect intracellular molecular pathways with targeted secretion inhibitors, using Ipsen’s platform of TSI proteins |
4/9/15 |
Kineta Inc. (Seattle) |
UW Medicine and Comotion at the University of Washington |
Memorandum of understanding |
To create the Alliance for Innovation in Therapeutics |
The alliance is a nonexclusive partnership to identify, fund and develop therapeutics emerging from UW’s research center |
4/22/15 |
Maxcyte Inc. (Gaithersburg, Md.) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Research collaboration |
To develop chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapies, to use patients’ immune systems to fight cancer |
The collaborative research will support a planned investigational new drug filing for a CAR T-cell therapy that will target a wide range of solid tumors; financial terms were not disclosed |
4/22/15 |
Medivir AB (Huddinge, Sweden) |
Cancer Research Technology (unit of Cancer Research UK) |
Partnership |
To develop a new class of drugs that have shown promise for treating different cancers, especially breast and pancreatic cancer |
CRT and Medivir will conduct a two-year research program to optimize and develop small molecules targeting the cell surface protein ADAM8, which has been linked to tumor survival, cell invasion and metastasis |
4/14/15 |
Midatech Pharma plc (Oxford, UK) |
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute |
Research collaboration |
To test the preclinical effectiveness of Midatech’s targeted nanomedicines against glioblastoma to find effective treatments |
Terms were not disclosed |
4/15/15 |
Novogen Ltd. (Sydney) |
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research |
Development agreement |
For TRXE-009 (trilexium) to treat primary and secondary brain cancer in adults and children |
They will explore the ability of super-benzopyran platform technology to convert cancer stem cells into stem cells displaying normal stem cell behavior |
4/20/15 |
Orgenesis Inc. (White Plains, N.Y.) |
Global Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Acceleration Center |
Collaboration |
Memorandum of understanding spans three years and is designed to provide a framework of collaborative research in stem cell and regenerative medicine, provide an innovative platform allowing global network expansion and technology exchange and promote technologies, innovations and industry growth in Korea |
Terms were not disclosed |
4/8/15 |
Padlock Therapeutics Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) |
The National Institutes of Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Scripps Research Institute |
Collaboration |
In the field of protein-arginine deiminase enzymes and their role in disease biology |
Padlock will work with investigators to determine the role of individual PAD enzymes in certain animal disease models and to evaluate the activity of the company’s PAD inhibitors in enzymatic assays, animal models and human cellular systems |
4/9/15 |
Plantform Corp. (Guelph, Ontario) |
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program |
Agreement |
To advance the company’s work on innovative antibody treatments for HIV |
Plantform will receive technical and business advisory services, and a financial contribution of up to C$500,000 (US$394,947) to use its tobacco-plant-based Vivoxpress manufacturing system to produce antibodies that fight HIV infection by disrupting the virus’ method of entry into human CD4-positive lymphocytes |
4/1/15 |
Regenxbio Inc. (Washington) |
University of Pennsylvania and University of Minnesota |
Exclusive license and research agreements |
For intellectual property rights supporting its preclinical therapies for the rare genetic diseases Hurler and Hunter syndromes |
Terms were not disclosed |
4/9/15 |
Second Genome Inc. (South San Francisco) |
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre Microbiome Institute |
Alliance |
To advance the development of therapies that prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease |
Scientists will explore the role of the microbiome in IBD by analyzing data from patients to identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention |
4/28/15 |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) |
Center for iPS Cell Research Application of Kyota University |
Agreement |
To develop clinical applications of induced pluripotent stem cells for heart failure, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders and cancer immunotherapy |
Takeda will provide more than $101M over a 10-year period |
4/20/15 |
Theravectys SAS (Paris) |
Institut Curie (Paris) |
Licensing agreement |
To a library of synthetic humanized camelid nanobodies developed at the Institut Curie |
Terms were not disclosed |
4/15/15 |
Tracon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (San Diego) |
Case Western Reserve University |
Amended license agreement and new sponsored research agreement |
Aimed at strengthening the intellectual property estate around TRC102 |
Tracon and CWRU entered a sponsored research agreement whereby CWRU will further assess biomarkers that may predict the activity of regimens combining TRC102 with chemotherapeutics, including Alimta (pemetrexed, Eli Lilly and Co.) |
4/10/15 |
University of California, San Francisco; Johns Hopkins University; Bionure SL (Spain); Oregon Health & Science University |
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society |
Agreement |
To support more than 80 research projects and training awards with the goal of stopping multiple sclerosis |
The MS Society is committing $28M; projects include a consortium led by the University of California to develop probiotic strategies for stopping progressive MS; a pilot study at Johns Hopkins University researching food plans that intermittently restrict calorie intake as an MS treatment; pre-clinical research conducted by Bionure on a compound that will protect the nervous system and stimulate repair of nerve-insulating myelin; and a project at Oregon Health & Science University to study patient-centered wellness programs that will improve activities of daily living for those with MS |
4/9/15 |
Vical Inc. (San Diego) |
IPPOX Foundation |
Contract |
A $4 million contract to manufacture HIV-antigen plasmid DNA as a component of vaccine regimens to be evaluated in clinical trials for the prevention of HIV infection |
The new contract builds upon Vical’s 2010 agreement with IPPOX to manufacture plasmid DNA for HIV vaccine clinical trial, is expected to use those plasmids as priming components of prime/boost vaccine regimens for evaluation in phase I studies and potentially in a phase IIb trial |
4/23/15 |
MAY | |||||
Acelrx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Redwood City, Calif.) |
U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command of the Department of Defense |
Contract |
For ongoing development of ARX-04, including phase III activities |
Starting in the second quarter, the DoD will reimburse the company for costs incurred for development, manufacturing and clinical expenses |
5/15/15 |
Addex Therapeutics Ltd. (Geneva) |
University of Rome Tor Vergata |
Collaboration |
To explore the use of dipraglurant to treat rare genetic forms of dystonia |
The collaboration will evaluate the effect of chronic treatment with dipraglurant (ADX48621) on rescuing the synaptic plasticity deficits in several models of genetic forms of dystonia, including the DYT1 knock-in mouse model |
5/8/15 |
Agilis Biotherapeutics LLC (Cambridge, Mass.) |
University of South Florida |
Exclusive license agreement |
For a gene therapy technology to treat Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system |
They will collaborate to target the genetic malfunctions of AS using gene therapy to deliver a corrective UBE3a gene to rescue neurological deficits in patients suffering from this rare disease; Agilis will be granted worldwide, exclusive rights to AS gene therapy candidates and related intellectual property |
5/14/15 |
Astrazeneca plc (London) |
Montreal Heart Institute |
Collaboration |
To search the genomes of up to 80,000 DNA samples for genes that are associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes to study their complications and treatment outcomes |
The goal is to learn which genetic traits are linked to better treatment results; MHI will utilize Astrazeneca’s biobank, which includes tissue and blood samples collected over 12 years from clinical trial patients to test cardiovascular or diabetes treatments |
5/14/15 |
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Houston) |
Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands |
License agreement |
For worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-affinity TCR, or T-cell receptor, product candidates targeting solid tumors expressing the preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma |
Bellicum’s first TCR product candidate, BPX-701, targets PRAME and is expected to enter phase I/II trials before the end of 2015 |
5/1/15 |
Cypher Genomics Inc. (San Diego) |
University of Pennsylvania |
Collaboration |
To identify the genetic causes of progressive supranuclear palsy |
The grant from Cure PSP will support the collection and analysis of exome-sequencing data from more than 700 PSP patients and closely related family members with the goal of identifying possible genetic factors and biomarkers as targets for future drug development |
5/4/15 |
Eli Lilly and Co. (Indianapolis) |
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute |
Collaboration |
To discover and develop immunological therapies |
They will investigate potential therapeutics targeting multiple immune checkpoint modulators to treat immunological diseases such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune disorders |
5/15/15 |
Formula Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Berwyn, Pa.) |
Research Center Fondazione M. Tettamanti, a University of Milano-Bicocca affiliate in Italy |
Worldwide, exclusive license agreement |
To an allogeneic, nonviral chimeric antigen receptor platform that leverages cytokine-induced killer cells as immune effectors |
Formula expects it to improve over CAR approaches using autologous T cells |
5/12/15 |
Glaxosmithkline plc (London) |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Collaboration |
To create the HIV Cure center and a jointly owned new company that will focus on discovering a cure for HIV/AIDS |
They will work to redefine the traditional way of conducting research and create a new model to seek the breakthroughs needed; the center will be located on the university’s campus |
5/12/15 |
Imago Pharmaceuticals Inc. (San Francisco) |
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research |
Agreement |
For a library of research tools around the parkin protein |
The tools include cell lines, plasmids and compounds; Imago purchased the tools as part of a 2014 deal with Perrigo Co. plc, of Dublin; they originated at the now-defunct Elan Pharmaceuticals plc |
5/12/15 |
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, N.J.) |
Division of Medical Ethics at the NYU School of Medicine |
Partnership |
To review requests made to its Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson for compassionate use of its medicines |
If successful, the partnership could become a model that would be applicable across the company |
5/8/15 |
Merck & Co. Inc. (Kenilworth, N.J.) |
The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer - Commercial-ization of Research at the Montreal University and the Centre for Drug Research and Development in Vancouver |
Collaboration |
On three new drug development projects, which address areas of high unmet medical need, and are being supported by funding from Merck |
Merck is supporting the British Columbia-Quebec corridor projects between IRICoR and CDRD, which involve identification of biomarkers and small-molecule inhibitors for a form of resistance in cancer therapies, screening of specific small molecules for drug-induced dyskinesia, and hit-to-lead screening and refinement of new small-molecule inhibitors of human telomerase to inhibit the growth of cancer tumor |
5/15/15 |
Novare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Boston) |
Lawson Health Research Institute |
Licensing agreement |
To create an incubator based in London, Ontario, focused on potential treatments for arthritis, breast cancer and lung fibrosis |
Novare is developing therapeutics designed to modulate the receptor for hyaluron-mediated motility, or RHAMM, a cellular protein that helps to regulate cell movement and stem cell differentiation |
5/22/15 |
OMT Therapeutics Inc. (Palo Alto, Calif.) |
California Institute of Technology |
Partnership |
To use its fully human nanobody platform, Unirat, for the generation of nanobodies against HIV-1 |
Terms were not disclosed |
5/18/15 |
Oncosec Medical Inc. (San Diego) |
Massachusetts General Hospital |
Sponsored research agreement |
To evaluate the immunologic mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of Oncosec’s clinical stage platform, Immunopulse IL-12, in a human papilloma virus tumor mouse model |
Terms were not disclosed |
5/19/15 |
Prima Biomed Ltd. (Sydney) |
Nec Corp. (Tokyo) and Yamaguchi University in Yamaguchi, Japan |
Collaboration |
For Orsay, France-based Immutep SA’s IMP321 in combination with a peptide vaccine developed by Nec and the university |
The study will investigate the use of antigen presenting cell activator IMP321 as an adjuvant, together with peptide antigens believed to be involved in hepatocellular cancer |
5/12/15 |
Prothena Corp. plc (Dublin) |
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research |
Agreement |
For the discovery and development of assays to measure the progression of Parkinson’s disease |
The emphasis will be on biomarkers that may facilitate therapeutic approaches targeting alpha-synuclein |
5/6/15 |
R-Tech Ueno Ltd. (Tokyo) |
Hokkaido University’s Graduate School of Medicine |
Collaboration |
On the application of a VAP-1 inhibitor known as RTU-1096 in development to treat diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema |
The compound is in a phase I trial in Japan; terms were not disclosed |
5/19/15 |
Shire plc (Dublin) |
Foundation Fighting Blindness |
Agreement |
Focused on furthering research for a treatment for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa |
The Foundation Fighting Blindness and its research partners will provide Shire with expert knowledge and scientific background regarding adRP, as well as clinical information that could be used in development of a drug to treat adRP |
5/5/15 |
Soligenix Inc. (Princeton, N.J.) |
Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Mibrobiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’I at Manoa and Hawaii Biotech Inc., Aiea, Hawaii |
Collaboration |
To develop a heat stable subunit Ebola vaccine |
Soligenix will evaluate its vaccine thermostabilization technology, Thermovax, licensed from the University of Colorado, to stabilize components of the vaccine |
5/29/15 |
Stragen Pharma SA (Geneva) |
Institut Pasteur (Paris) |
Exclusive worldwide license agreement |
For intellectual property related to derivatives of endogenous dual enkephalinase inhibitor compounds for pain management |
Stragen will pursue at its own costs the development of STR-324, while Institut Pasteur will receive contingent payments such as clinical and regulatory milestones and royalties |
5/8/15 |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) |
Japan’s National Cancer Center |
Agreement |
To discover and develop cancer drugs in Japan |
Takeda and NCC will share information in an effort to move findings from basic research into clinical R&D; the goal is to identify two research projects per year |
5/27/15 |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) |
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute |
Two-year partnership agreement |
To study the potential role of several gene regulatory proteins as targets for the treatment of heart failure |
The scientists will screen and develop molecules that have the potential to improve the metabolism and function of the failing heart |
5/29/15 |
JUNE | |||||
Adma Biologics Inc. (Ramsey, N.J.) |
Jeffrey Modell Foundation |
Collaboration |
Focused on patients with primary immunodeficiencies |
There are more than 250 genetic defects that are classified under the PI umbrella, and the NIH estimates that at least 500,000 Americans are affected; JMF programs focus on early diagnosis and meaningful treatments |
6/12/15 |
Arno Therapeutics Inc. (Flemington, N.J.) |
US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases |
CRADA |
To evaluate the antiviral activity of AR-12 and various analogues against Ebola and other viruses of biodefense interest |
The AR-12 mechanism of action may include induction of host cell autophagy and inhibition of fungal acetyl coenzyme A synthetase |
6/4/15 |
Biocept Inc. (San Diego) |
Sarah Cannon Research Institute |
Clinical collaboration |
To determine the clinical utility of detecting biomarkers present in circulating tumor cell and circulating tumor DNA in blood samples for estrogen positive breast cancer patients |
They will use Biocept’s technology and assess tumor treatment response over time |
6/4/15 |
Cellectis SA (Paris) |
Weill Cornell Medical College |
Strategic translational research alliance |
To accelerate the development of a targeted immunotherapy for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia |
The alliance will foster the development of UCART123 |
6/4/15 |
Contravir Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Edison, N.J.) |
Baruch S. Blumberg Institute |
Agreement |
To conduct a series of experiments using CMX157, its hepatitis B program |
The research will focus on comparing the relative anti-hepatitis B activities of CMX157 and tenofovir in order to determine if it has unique anti-hepatitis B attributes not previously appreciated of tenofovir or other antiviral agents |
6/4/15 |
Cyclenium Pharma Inc. (Sherbrooke, Quebec) |
McGill University |
Agreements |
To discover modulators for promising biological targets of pharmacological interest |
McGill researchers will gain access to Cyclenium’s QUEST Library of next-generation macrocyclic molecules and associated optimization capabilities, with the initial objective of identifying compounds capable of interacting with specific therapeutic targets, including several involving protein-protein interactions |
6/12/15 |
Dalcor Pharmaceuticals (San Mateo, Calif.) |
Montreal Heart Institute |
Collaboration |
To conduct an international phase III trial seeking to validate the efficacy of dalcetrapib, which could reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by as much as 39% in patients with acute coronary syndrome |
The phase III study will screen more than 30,000 patients across 30 countries in order to identify 5,000 patients having the appropriate genetic profile that is expected to benefit from dalcetrapib; Dalcor estimates that $250M will be required to complete the project |
6/9/15 |
Department of Biotechnology (India) |
Indian government |
Collaboration |
To set up bioclusters to promote the country’s biotech industry |
The Indian government has allocated $14M (Rs900M) for the project |
6/11/15 |
Eisai Co., Shionogi & Co., Takeda Pharmaceutical Ltd., and Astrazeneca plc |
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative |
Collaboration |
To accelerate the discovery of new drugs and lower the cost of developing new treatments for leishmaniasis and Chagas |
The companies will give DNDi access to millions of unique compounds in their research libraries to search out new treatment leads using the Drug Discovery Booster program |
6/11/15 |
Fate Therapeutics Inc. (San Diego) |
Boston Children’s Hospital |
Two-year sponsored research agreement |
To accelerate the development of an adoptive immunoregulatory cell therapy to treat autoimmune diseases |
The collaboration seeks to assess the potential of Fate’s PD-L1 programmed CD34-positive cellular therapeutic as a treatment for type 1 diabetes |
6/9/15 |
Genvec Inc. (Gaithersburg, Md.) |
David T. Curiel, director of the Biologic Therapeutic Center and the Cancer Biology Division at the Oncology in the School of Medicine at Washington University |
Collaboration |
To create modified versions of Genvec’s gorilla adenovectors that incorporate specialized targeting antibodies on the surface of the vectors |
These antibodies are produced only by camels, alpacas and other camelids and are smaller and more stable in intracellular environments than their mouse or human counterparts; the goal is to create highly targeted therapeutics and vaccines |
6/4/15 |
Gilead Sciences Inc. (Foster City, Calif.) |
The Medicines Patent Pool |
Licensing agreement |
For generic manufacture of tenofovir alafenamide, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and other Gilead medicines |
The amendment enhances MPP’s current license by allowing South African manufacturers to join Indian and Chinese companies in developing generics for low- and middle-income countries |
6/12/15 |
Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) |
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Strategic clinical research alliance |
To advance clinical development of an intratumoral TLR9 agonist in combination with checkpoint inhibitors |
Idera plans to start the first trial of the research alliance, a phase I/II study of IMO-2125, a TLR9 agonist, in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.) in patients with metastatic melanoma; the trial will enroll approximately 45 patients |
6/9/15 |
Immune Pharmaceuticals Inc. (New York) |
Yissum (technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem) |
Memorandum of understanding |
For the worldwide exclusive licensing and development of a topical biodegradable, nanocapsule formulation of cyclosporine A |
When administered systemically, cyclosporine A, (Sandimmune, Neoral), is an effective treatment for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus vulgaris and other severe inflammatory dermatoses |
6/11/15 |
Nektar Therapeutics Inc. (San Francisco) |
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Research collaboration |
For a phase I/II study to evaluate NKTR-214, a CD122-biased cytokine designed to preferentially stimulate production of CD8-positive T cells |
The agreement covers a study to evaluate NKTR-214 in a variety of tumor types as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies, including PD-1 pathway inhibitors |
6/3/15 |
Peptinnovate Ltd. (London) |
MRC Technology |
Collaboration |
To assess the therapeutic potential in bone diseases of Peptinnovate’s peptides derived from the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
Scientists at MRC Technology’s Centre for Therapeutics Discovery will investigate the effects of Peptinnovate’s peptides in cellular models that mimic aspects of bone physiology |
6/11/15 |
Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Tustin, Calif.) |
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
Sponsored research agreement |
To explore the potential of Peregrine’s phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody platform, with the goal of identifying effective treatment combinations based on PS-targeting agents, including Peregrine’s lead clinical agent, bavituximab, with other checkpoint inhibitors or immune-stimulating agents |
MSK researchers will examine the combination of bavituximab alongside models of checkpoint blockade that are unresponsive to inhibition or co-stimulation |
6/1/15 |
Regen Biopharma Inc. (San Diego) |
Santosh Kesari of the University of California, San Diego |
Collaboration |
To address questions posed by the FDA regarding the planned phase I/II trial assessing safety with signals of efficacy of the dcellvax gene-silenced dendritic cell immunotherapy for treating breast cancer and to modify the existing new drug application |
The proposed trial will recruit 10 patients with metastatic breast cancer and will involve four monthly injections of the dendritic cell therapy; the trial will last one year, with tumor assessment before therapy and at six and 12 months |
6/11/15 |
R-Tech Ueno Ltd. (Tokyo) |
Autonomous University of Barcelona and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (Catalonia, Spain) |
Collaboration |
To develop a VAP-1 inhibitor to treat cerebral infarction |
The drug, RTU-009, is believed to have an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect |
6/9/15 |
Theratechnologies Inc. (Montreal) |
Massachusetts General Hospital |
Collaboration |
On a project to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tesamorelin to treat HIV patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis |
The study will enroll a total of 60 HIV-infected patients with NAFLD/NASH, who will receive either tesamorelin (2 mg/day) or a placebo |
6/10/15 |
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Notes This chart does not include grants or contract awards, or agreements between biotech companies and clinical trial centers. The date indicated refers to the BioWorld Today issue in which the news item can be found. Some institutions listed have for-profit components. CRADA = Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. For more information about individual companies and/or products, see Thomson Reuters Cortellis. | |||||