The company bought the multiple sclerosis treatment, which is in Phase II clinical trials, from Peptimmune, which went bankrupt earlier this year.
19 September 11 16:21, Shiri Habib-Valdhorn
Merck Serono SA has acquired a multiple sclerosis candidate drug from bankrupt US biopharmaceutical company Peptoimmune. The drug, PI-2301 is ready for a Phase II clinical trial. Peptimmune was a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based therapeutics firm that filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier this year after it failed to raise $35 million.
PI-2301 is a second-generation molecule derived from a similar compound class as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd’s Copaxone. PI-2301 is believed to work by enhancing the regulatory response of the immune system, and dampening immune responses that drive autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Merck will evaluate the product for autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis/
Merck Serono currently markets Rebif for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Peptimmune also has two additional multiple sclerosis drug candidates, which are readying for Phase I clinical trials: ARX 424 is a long-acting interferon, and ATX-MS-1467 is an immune-tolerizing agent. Merck Serono is also collaborating with Australia’s Bionomics Ltd. on the development of multiple sclerosis drugs that target nerve cell damage in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news – www.globes-online.com – on September 19, 2011
..
===========================================================
Remain CURRENT with Multiple Sclerosis news and information
REGISTER HERE MS Views and News
.
.Providing You with ‘MS Views and News’, is what we do
.
On the 4th Wednesday of each month
Listen-to StuMSRadio.com at 8pm eastern time.
Each month will feature various guests to be interviewed
Call-in to have (5) minutes of airtime.
Speak about your MS or ask questions
.
“MS Views and News” is a 501©(3) Not-for-Profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service
.. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law
.===========================================================
Disclaimer: ‘MS Views and News’ (MSVN), does not endorse any products or services found on this blog. It is up to you to seek advice from your healthcare provider. The intent of this blog is to provide information on various medical conditions, medications, treatments, and procedures for your personal knowledge and to keep you informed of current health-related issues. It is not intended to be complete or exhaustive, nor is it a substitute for the advice of your physician. Should you or your family members have any specific medical problem, seek medical care promptly.
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews