Cephalon Inc. expanded its license agreement with SibiaNeurosciences Inc. on the recombinant production process forinsulin-like growth factor-1 to include non-neurological treatmentapplications of the protein.

Cephalon, of West Chester, Pa., licensed technology from SibiaNeurosciences, of La Jolla, Calif., to produce IGF-1 for treatment ofneurological disorders in 1991.

In collaboration with Chiron Corp., of Emeryville, Calif., Cephalon isexpected to submit a new drug application for IGF-1, or Myotrophin,this year for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Cephalon and Chiron also are evaluating Myotrophin in Phase IIstudies for peripheral neuropathies, such as diabetic andchemotherapy-induced neuropathies and post-polio syndrome.

The new licensing agreement with Sibia, gives Cephalon patentprotection in production of IGF-1 for non-neurological conditions.The growth factor, found naturally in muscle, is considered apotential treatment for Type II diabetes, kidney disease and wounds.Cephalon, however, has no clinical trials under way in thoseapplications.

Sibia received an up-front payment from Cephalon to expand theIGF-1 licensing agreement. It also will receive royalties on sales ofIGF-1 for neurological and non-neurological indications. Financialdetails were not disclosed. _ Charles Craig

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