Active Biotech signs deal with Chelsea to co-develop new compounds

By E. Janene Geiss

Philadelphia, May 9 - Active Biotech AB and Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd. announced Tuesday that they have agreed to co-develop and commercialize the I-3D portfolio of orally active, Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibiting compounds for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.

The I3-D portfolio developed by Active Biotech consists of an extensive library of therapeutic compounds that have demonstrated, during preclinical testing, potent inhibition of Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibiting compounds activity while maintaining PK and safety properties superior to the marketed Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors, according to a company news release.

Potential indications for drug candidates in this library include transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and system lupus erythematosus, officials said.

Of the compounds in this portfolio, more than 15 have been isolated and undergone preclinical modeling, including two lead compounds with the potential for clinical trials in early 2007.

Under the agreement, Chelsea and Active will jointly conduct and fund the clinical development of the portfolio via a joint development committee with equal representation from both parties.

The agreement also provides Chelsea with the exclusive North and South American commercial rights to all drugs within this portfolio while Active will retain the rights for the remaining global markets, officials said.

In addition to sharing medical costs, the companies said they will pay the other partner royalty payments on sales in their respective markets. Active said it also will receive certain defined milestone payments related to clinical development and commercialization.

Chelsea is a Charlotte, N.C., biopharmaceutical development company.

Active Biotech is a Lund, Sweden, biotechnology company that researches and develops pharmaceuticals.

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