Trega Biosciences Announces Janssen Research Foundation and The R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute License iDEA(TM) Predictive Models
- 'In Silico' Drug Discovery Trend Accelerates -
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Trega Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRGA) announced that Janssen Research Foundation (JRF) and The R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute (PRI), members of the Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) family of companies, have licensed the first two modules of Trega's iDEA(TM) predictive models -- absorption and metabolism. The iDEA(TM) models are designed to simulate in the computer (in silico) how new drug candidates are processed in the body. Trega has granted JRF and PRI a multi-year worldwide license to the iDEA(TM) absorption and metabolism modules, including all upgrades and enhancements. JRF and PRI will collaborate with Trega to further enhance the predictive capabilities of iDEA(TM). This license expands Trega's existing relationship with PRI, which was an original member of the consortium of companies that contributed to the development of the initial iDEA(TM) absorption module.
"We welcome the expansion of our relationship with PRI and the addition of JRF," said Michael G. Grey, Trega's President and CEO. "In silico testing, which provides pharmaceutical companies with a method to predict bioavailability without using animal testing models, is gaining momentum. With this deal, seven of the world's top tier pharmaceutical companies have accessed iDEA(TM) through multi-year or initial licenses."
By year-end 2000, Trega expects that both the absorption and metabolism iDEA(TM) modules will be available via a company's intranet, which will allow unlimited access to the modules worldwide. This will give an entire organization immediate access to the latest available software versions of the iDEA modules, enabling consistent use of the iDEA models to predict bioavailability throughout the drug discovery and development effort.
Trega developed the absorption module of the iDEA(TM) predictive model, an acronym for "In Vitro Determination for the Estimation of ADME" (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion), with input from a consortium of pharmaceutical companies. The iDEA(TM) absorption module was constructed to simulate the physiological process of drug absorption, and incorporates human physiological parameters. The model is based on information from 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 set of compounds is unique in that it represents a diverse set of drug properties. Trega plans to introduce a metabolism module commercially and intends to develop additional modules that will enable the complete prediction of bioavailability.
Trega Biosciences, Inc. is a premier provider of products designed to accelerate and improve drug discovery through its iDiscovery(TM) technologies linking biology and chemistry with information technologies. Trega's iDEA(TM) family of information-based predictive 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 the Company's resources are sufficient to enable it to reach its objectives as described above, whether the iDEA(TM) predictive models will be successfully completed, operated or commercialized, whether any research to be conducted as described will be successful, whether competitive products and pricing will have a significant impact on marketing success, whether any corporate collaborations or alliances will be formed or will be successful, 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. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Trega disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Trega Biosciences, Inc.
CO: Trega Biosciences, Inc.; Janssen Research Foundation; R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute; Johnson & Johnson
ST: California
IN: BIO
SU:
10/12/2000 09:59 EDT prnewswire.com |
