Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX - news) announced today the expansion of its product pipeline with the selection of four new drug candidates with the potential to treat viral infections, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disorders and inflammation. The selection of these candidates reflects the successful completion of Vertex research programs focused on the discovery of second- generation, small molecule inhibitors of IMPDH, p38 MAP kinase, and interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE). Each drug candidate that has been selected is now undergoing formal preclinical development in preparation for the start of clinical studies. Two or more of the newly selected drug candidates are expected to enter Phase I clinical studies in 2001.* (Photo: newscom.com )
``These new drug candidates are strong evidence of the productivity gains we have been able to achieve in drug discovery,'' said Joshua Boger, Ph.D, Chairman, President, and CEO of Vertex. ``They represent the leading edge of our accelerated research output from our integrated drug discovery platform and our chemogenomics approach. We believe that our increased speed and success in translating genomic discoveries into product candidates will create enhanced commercial and business development opportunities for Vertex, allowing us to expand our pipeline and create value for shareholders.''
New Drug Candidates Targeting IMPDH
Vertex announced today the selection of VX-944 as a new drug development candidate from the Company's IMPDH research program. Earlier in 2000, Vertex advanced another IMPDH inhibitor, VX-148, into preclinical development. Clinical development of VX-148 is expected to begin in early 2001. Vertex's most advanced IMPDH inhibitor, VX-497, is in Phase II clinical development in combination with interferon alpha for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. All three compounds are potent inhibitors of IMPDH (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase), a cellular enzyme that is essential for production of guanine nucleotides, one of the building blocks of RNA and DNA. Blocking IMPDH may be an effective strategy for blocking the proliferation (growth) of certain cell types, such as lymphocytes, and the replication of viruses, since both lymphocytes and viruses depend on nucleotide synthesis for replication. Vertex's IMPDH inhibitors have the potential to treat viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and prevent organ transplant rejection. Vertex has retained all development and commercial rights to drug candidates in its IMPDH program.
New Drug Candidates Targeting p38 MAP Kinase
Vertex announced today the selection of VX-954 and VX-702 as new drug development candidates from the Company's p38 MAP kinase research program. P38 MAP kinase is an enzyme that regulates the production of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha, which are involved in acute and chronic inflammatory response. Inhibition of p38 MAP kinase may be an effective strategy for slowing the progression of acute and chronic inflammatory reactions. As part of a collaboration with Vertex, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. holds an option to develop VX-954 and VX-702 in Japan and other Far East countries. Vertex's p38 MAP kinase inhibitors have the potential to treat a range of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Vertex's most advanced p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, VX-745, is in Phase II clinical development in collaboration with Kissei for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
New Drug Candidate Targeting ICE
Vertex announced today the selection of VX-765 as a new drug development candidate from the Company's ICE research program. ICE is an enzyme that regulates the production of IL-1 and IFN gamma, intercellular mediators that initiate and sustain the process of inflammation. Inhibiting ICE may be an effective strategy for curtailing damaging inflammatory processes common to a number of acute and chronic conditions. Vertex's most advanced ICE inhibitor, VX-740, is in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as part of a worldwide collaboration with Aventis S.A. Vertex's ICE inhibitors have the potential to treat a range of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Vertex retains development and commercial rights to VX-765 and other drug candidates that may be selected from the Company's second-generation ICE research program.
The drug candidates announced today represent classes of compounds that are distinct from first-generation inhibitors designed by Vertex that are now in clinical development. Each was chosen from among several lead candidates that met stringent criteria for selection, including potency, bioavailability, half-life, ease-of-synthesis, and preclinical indicators of safety. Each drug candidate has demonstrated a therapeutic effect in two or more models of disease activity.
``The five drug candidates we have advanced this year reflect a sustained ramp-up in drug discovery productivity, and provide us the opportunity to pursue multiple indications based on common mechanisms of action,'' said Vicki Sato, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer. ``In 2001, we anticipate the selection of new drug development candidates targeting caspases, bacterial gyrase, hepatitis C protease, neurophilins, and kinases. This puts Vertex on track to double the size of our product development pipeline, increasing the number of products in development from eight to approximately 16 by the end of next year.'' |
