Bernie, With LGND talking about SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) on Sunday, SPRMs (Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators) and Tuesday, and SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) on Thursday, it's probably time to begin talking about the molecular similarities in the programs as well as partnering of projects and products.
LGND has a strong presence in SERMs with alliances with LLY, PFE and AHP. In the SPRM area they have some relationship with AHP. In the area of SARMs, its all LGND.
These three areas are very similar. The estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors are very closely related. Each receptor interacts with a variety of tissue specific regulatory proteins. LGND has powerful screening tools which allows for testing of compounds in a variety of tissue environments. They can identify agonists, antagonist, and partial agonists and antagonist. They assays are very sensitive and influences of the tissue specific factors can be quickly and easily measured.
LGND screened libraries of others for leads in the estrogen receptor area. They have now targeted a new series of compounds for activity against the progestin and androgen receptors. The first IND (LGD1331) is slated for this year, but today's press release begins to show the range of products and markets being targeted by LGND. The preclinical data is quite impressive. The gold standards work in human and animal models, but they also produce similar undesirable side effects in rodents and humans. LGND's compounds appear to offer advantages in efficacy as well as reductions in side effects. It will take some time to bring this massive pipeline to market, but as LGND begins to generate income from its initial products, the pace of development will increase markedly. |
