Some news on CLL today, it up-gapped and resistance is now at the Oct. H of 43:
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Celltech Group plc (NYSE: CLL - news) and Johnson & Johnson today announce a worldwide collaboration spanning the discovery, development and commercialisation of a novel class of orally active compounds for the treatment of cancer.
These compounds are potent and selective inhibitors of the enzyme KDR kinase, which has an important role in regulating the formation of new blood vessels in tumours. Celltech and Johnson & Johnson will jointly select lead compounds for clinical development from Celltech's library of inhibitors.
Johnson & Johnson will support further research at Celltech, and will be responsible for all costs associated with worldwide development and commercialisation. In addition to research funding, Celltech will receive an initial payment, development milestones and royalties on future product sales.
The compounds have shown promising preclinical activities, delaying or reducing tumour growth in a number of models. This anti-angiogenic approach to cancer therapy may possess significant advantages over existing cytotoxic drugs, through improved side-effect profiles and reduced drug resistance. The compounds may also have utility in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Peter Fellner, Chief Executive Officer of Celltech, commented, ``We believe that this class of compounds could have significant potential in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. We see this alliance as an effective way both to accelerate our development timelines by leveraging Johnson & Johnson's extensive preclinical and clinical development expertise in this field, and to validate the therapeutic and commercial value of KDR kinase inhibitors.''
Celltech Group plc is one of Europe's largest biopharmaceutical companies, with an extensive late stage development pipeline and a profitable, cash-generative pharmaceutical business. Celltech also possesses a drug discovery capability of exceptional strength, including a leading position in antibody engineering.
Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly-based manufacturer of healthcare products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and professional markets. Johnson & Johnson has 95,800 employees and 188 operating companies in 52 countries around the world, selling products in more than 175 countries. |
