Axys Pharmaceuticals and Merck Extend Osteoporosis Collaboration
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--December 21, 1998--Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:AXPH) announced today that it has agreed with Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to extend their osteoporosis drug discovery collaboration for one additional year until early November, 1999. The focus of the research collaboration is the development of small molecule inhibitors of cathepsin K, a cysteine protease target that is believed to play a role in osteoporosis.
In November 1996, Axys signed a two-year drug discovery collaboration with Merck to develop small molecule inhibitors of cathepsin K as a treatment for osteoporosis. In February 1997, Axys announced it had solved the three-dimensional crystal structure of cathepsin K.
Axys Pharmaceuticals is a leader in the integration of life science technologies with a focus on transforming gene discoveries into drugs. The company has research collaborations with world-class pharmaceutical companies, covering a broad range of therapeutic areas, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and infectious disease, as well as oncology and central nervous system disorders.
For more information on Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., please visit the company's website at axyspharm.com.
CONTACT:
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Michael Venuti, Ph.D.
Sr. V.P., Research & Preclinical Development
or
David Gennarelli
Manager Investor Relations
(650) 829-1000
or
Burns McClellan, Inc.
Justin Jackson, Heather McAllister (media)
Jonathan M. Nugent (investors)
(212) 213-0006 |
