BIOTIE AND ROCHE SIGN AGREEMENT FOR VAP-1 ANTIBODY PROGRAM
BIOTIE THERAPIES CORP. STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 24 November 2006, at 11.00 a.m.
BioTie and F. Hoffmann La Roche (Roche) have signed an option agreement for BioTie's fully human antibody program targeting Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 (VAP-1) in inflammatory diseases. Inhibiting VAP-1 reduces inflammation by regulating the migration of leukocytes, or white blood cells, to inflamed tissues. BioTie's fully human VAP-1 antibody is based on Medarex, Inc's (NJ, USA) HuMab-technology and is expected to enter into clinical development in early 2007.
This new agreement extends the collaboration between the two companies as Roche already holds an exclusive option right to BioTie's VAP-1 SSAO enzyme small molecule inhibitor candidates in preclinical phase. Roche continues to contribute its expertise to the development of BioTie's VAP-1 SSAO small molecule inhibitor candidates.
Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay an option initiation fee of EUR 5 million, which grants Roche an exclusive option right to an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for BioTie's fully human antibody targeting VAP-1, excluding Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. The initiation fee will be paid in two instalments in 2006-2007, and the initial option right will end upon completion of Phase I. Roche may extend the option right to later development points by paying additional fees. BioTie will retain all rights to the program until a license is granted to Roche.
Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 (VAP-1)
BioTie's proprietary drug development target, Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 (VAP-1), is a dual-function molecule with enzymatic and adhesion activities. VAP-1 contributes to the adhesion of white blood cells to endothelial cells and is greatly amplified in inflamed blood vessels. The VAP-1 semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) enzyme contributes to the production of molecules that exacerbate inflammation. VAP-1 specific monoclonal antibodies and VAP-1 SSAO small molecule inhibitors have been shown in animal models of inflammation to be potent inhibitors of disease activity. BioTie holds several patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights on VAP-1 and inhibitors of VAP-1 and VAP-1 SSAO in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. BioTie has obtained a license from Medarex for commercial use of the HuMab-technology for VAP-1 antibodies involving an undisclosed amount in license fees as well as milestone payments and royalties on sales.
Turku, November 24, 2006
Biotie Therapies Corp.
Timo Veromaa President and CEO
For further information, please contact:
Timo Veromaa, President and CEO, Biotie Therapies Corp.
tel. +358 2 274 8901, e-mail: timo.veromaa@biotie.com
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