Trega Biosciences' IDEA(TM) Predictive Model Licensed by Roche Following Successful Validation Study
SAN DIEGO, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Trega Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRGA), a company focused on commercializing technologies and products for accelerating drug discovery and development, today announced that following a successful validation study of its IDEA(TM) predictive model for drug absorption, F. Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland, has taken an initial license to the software product for use in its drug discovery activities. Financial terms of the license were not disclosed.
The blinded study conducted by Trega encompassed a diverse set of eight drug compounds from different therapeutic classes and had a wide range of physical and chemical properties. Roche selected and supplied the compounds to Trega and specified the criteria that constituted an effective level of prediction. Using its IDEA(TM) model, Trega predicted the human absorption of all eight compounds within the specified criteria for success. The in silico predictions with the IDEA(TM) model were achieved within days for each compound, in contrast to the weeks and months which are traditionally needed to test absorption of compounds in in vivo models.
"Trega is pleased with the outcome of this external validation study," said Michael G. Grey, president and chief executive officer. "Our product development strategy has been to work closely with the research and development teams of large pharmaceutical companies, so that the IDEA(TM) models will fit their needs and procedures in every way. By working with Roche on this validation study, we were able to address their specific criteria as well as gain a true, blinded external validation of the predictive capability of this model. We are looking forward to continued input from Roche scientists in the coming months as they begin to apply the model to their drug discovery programs."
Mr. Grey added, "One of the most challenging steps in drug discovery has always been to determine from a myriad of potential drug candidates those which would be best absorbed in the body, and thus which candidates should be selected for clinical development. Currently, gaining the answer to that question is a time-consuming and inefficient series of sequential steps frequently conducted in animals. With the IDEA(TM) predictive model, we believe that we can add speed and parallel processing, without losing accuracy and thereby accelerate the lead optimization process."
The IDEA(TM) predictive model, an acronym for In Vitro Determination for the Estimation of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion), was developed by Trega with a consortium of prominent pharmaceutical companies. The absorption model was constructed to simulate the physiological process of drug absorption, and incorporates human physiological parameters. The model is trained with a proprietary database of in vitro and human in vivo pharmacokinetic data for selected drugs and drug candidates, including many that failed in the development process. This training set of compounds is unique in that it represents a very diverse set of drug properties. Trega plans to introduce a metabolism model at the end of this year and subsequently develop additional models that will enable the complete prediction of bioavailability. Trega plans to also extend its technology to predict toxicity.
Trega Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRGA) is a premier provider of products that accelerate and improve drug discovery through its iDiscovery(TM) technologies linking biology and chemistry with information technologies. Trega's family of information-based models simulate, in silico, how drug candidates will be processed in the body, thereby enabling selection of those with optimal characteristics for clinical development. Together with its IDEA(TM) products, Trega's ChemFolio(R) libraries of information-enhanced small molecules are designed to facilitate the identification and optimization of drug candidates. For additional information on Trega, please visit our Web site at trega.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including whether these transactions will be successful, any additional licenses, alliances or other transactions will be agreed to, formed or expanded, whether any such transactions will be successful, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and other risks detailed from time to time in Trega's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements represent Trega's judgment as of the date of this release. Trega disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Trega Biosciences, Inc.
CO: Trega Biosciences, Inc.; F. Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd.
ST: California
IN: MTC BIO
SU:
07/25/2000 08:05 EDT prnewswire.com |
