BioWorld International Correspondent

PARIS - Theraptosis entered a research collaboration with Robarts Research Institute to identify new cytoprotective molecules that inhibit apoptosis.

Theraptosis is developing therapeutic applications based on compounds that either induce or prevent apoptosis, focusing its research on cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and ischemia, while Robarts Research Institute, of London, Canada, focuses on neurological and cardiovascular diseases and immune system disorders.

The agreement was signed between Theraptosis and the laboratory of Grant McFadden, part of the Biotherapeutics Research Group at Robarts. Their research program is aimed at discovering and optimizing anti-apoptotic molecules that can help prevent the destruction of healthy cells - neurons (in the case of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's) or cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells).

Theraptosis will retain worldwide rights to any products, having already filed a joint patent with Robarts.

Paris-based Theraptosis was founded in March 2001 and completed the installation of its technology platform in March this year. That platform consists of screening facilities based on the use of proteoliposomes and purified mitochondria and also incorporates techniques for the in-cellular analysis of apoptosis, such as multiparametric cytofluorimetry and RNA interference. The company is working on the hypothesis that the life or death of a cell could be controlled by molecules acting on the permeability of the mitochondrial membranes.

Theraptosis' lead program is in oncology, chairman Etienne Jacotot told BioWorld International. The company already has established proof of concept in vitro for its leading cancer agent and now is conducting in vivo studies in an animal tumor model. Completion is scheduled for the spring. Assuming positive results, Theraptosis will move to select a second cancer agent for preclinical development. But Jacotot said it would be a completely different compound with a more targeted antitumor mechanism.

Jacotot also confirmed that Theraptosis would seek funding in 2004. In its first funding round completed July 2002, it raised €2.45 million from three Paris-based venture capital funds. It also has been promised €1.5 million of state subsidies over two years from the French Research Ministry and other agencies.

"A second funding round, or another major source of funds, is a necessity to move products into preclinical and then clinical development," Jacotot said. He added that he would be looking for €5 million to €10 million next time and that "€8 million would be perfect." But he said it would be difficult to raise the funds in France, given that Theraptosis' activities remain at a relatively up-stream stage. Jacotot said it hoped to initiate a Phase I trial of its lead compound in late 2006 or early 2007.

Theraptosis earns some revenue from manufacturing recombinant monoclonal antibodies and performing services for third parties. It would like to increase that work and Jacotot said, "We are now taking another view and are actively looking for customers" for fee-for-service activities.