AEterna subsidiary Zentaris and Solvay Pharmaceuticals Sign Extensive Collaboration Agreement

26-Jan-2004

AEterna Laboratories Inc. announced that its 100%-owned subsidiary Zentaris GmbH and Solvay Pharmaceuticals B.V. have entered into an extensive collaboration agreement. Based on the agreement, Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Zentaris will jointly push ahead Zentaris' research project aimed at developing novel, low molecular weight and orally-bioavailable peptidomimetic LHRH (Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone) antagonists. Potential indications include endometriosis, uterus myoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as malignant disorders such as breast and prostate cancer.

As part of the agreement, Solvay Pharmaceuticals secures itself exclusive worldwide rights to all gynecological indications as well as to BPH, while Zentaris retains exclusive rights to all other indications, including oncology. The contract also provides for Zentaris to receive, upon signing, an amount of $5 million resulting from an upfront payment, as well as proceeds from the coverage of past development costs. In addition, the agreement foresees for Solvay to fund further preclinical and clinical development activities to be performed by Zentaris up to a fixed amount and to make milestone payments.

Following Zentaris' ongoing interest in the area of LHRH antagonists, a drug discovery project aiming at the identification of peptidomimetic leads was initiated a few years ago. Such leads are expected to act on the LHRH receptor similar to decapeptides, however, with the crucial benefit of oral bioavailability. Having achieved proof-of-principle regarding oral bioavailability, Zentaris now expects to have a preclinical development candidate available in the course of this year.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/34267/aeterna-subsidiary-zentaris-and-solvay-pharmaceuticals-sign-extensive-collaboration-agreement.html