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The alliance gives GSK access to Cellzome's significant expertise inidentifying and developing selective kinase inhibitors and its proprietaryKinobeads(TM) technology which, by screening compounds in a physiologicalsetting, is designed to improve the predictability of these drug candidates'performance in clinical testing. Kinases are key molecular switches incellular signaling events with a central role in many inflammatory responsesand selective inhibitors offer a different approach to therapeuticintervention in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
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Under the agreement GSK has exclusive options to license drug candidatesfrom Cellzome's kinase programs directed against four identified targets, andthree additional targets to be jointly identified by both parties. In thealliance, Cellzome will utilize its proprietary Kinobeads(TM) technology todiscover novel small molecule inhibitors of these targets, and then willdevelop the most promising product candidates through to completion of aclinical proof of concept trial, unless GSK elects to exercise its optionearlier. Cellzome is eligible to receive success-based milestones from GSK asproduct candidates are advanced. Upon Cellzome's achievement of clinicalproof of concept for a product candidate for a particular kinase target, GSKwould have an exclusive option to license all product candidates from thatprogram. GSK would then assume full responsibility for further clinicaldevelopment and commercialization on a worldwide basis. Cellzome retains theright to continue the development and commercialization of drug candidates ifGSK chooses not to exercise its option to that program.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cellzome will receive upfront paymentsof GBP14.4 million comprised of both cash and equity. Cellzome is eligiblefor up to GBP118 million per program in potential development, regulatory andcommercial milestones and up to double digit royalties on net sales ofproducts resulting from the alliance.
Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, Ph.D, Senior Vice President and Head of theImmuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery of GSK said: "GSKis committed to becoming a world leader in immuno-inflammation drug discoveryby finding transformative medicines through internal efforts and externalcollaborations. We are excited to be working with Cellzome to discover anddevelop improved approaches to existing biologic therapies which cannotaccess intracellular signaling mechanisms. Cellzome's Kinobeads(TM)technology will provide a distinct advantage because it uses native kinasesdirectly isolated from human cells and tissues."
Tim Edwards, CEO of Cellzome, said: "We are very pleased to begin astrategic alliance with GSK, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical R&Dcompanies. This alliance is a significant endorsement of our leadingKinobeads(TM) technology, programs and people. It is a major event inCellzome's development, giving us the opportunity to broaden our pipeline andprogress several kinase programs towards the clinic, ultimately for thebenefit of patients."
About Cellzome Inc.
Cellzome is a privately-owned drug discovery company identifying a newgeneration of kinase-targeted drugs to treat inflammatory diseases. Itspipeline of small-molecule therapeutics is driven by Kinobeads(TM), aproprietary technology for screening and profiling kinases in relevant cellsand tissues.
Cellzome is applying its distinctive Kinobeads(TM) technology to thediscovery and development of innovative small-molecule kinase inhibitorstargeting key inflammatory mediators
