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Pfizer and Taisho Finalize Agreement for Novel Schizophrenia Drug Candidate

08 Jan 2008 - Pfizer Inc and Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. have signed a definitive agreement, which replaces the letter of intent previously signed between the companies, for worldwide (excluding Japan) collaboration to research, develop and commercialize TS-032, a new schizophrenia drug candidate discovered by Taisho, currently in pre-clinical development.
 
Through the definitive license agreement Taisho will grant exclusive development and commercialization rights outside Japan for TS-032 to Pfizer. Under the agreement, Taisho will receive from Pfizer an initial payment of U.S. $22 million. Taisho will also receive milestone payments tied to progress of development, as well as royalties and milestone payments tied to sales if TS-032 is approved by regulatory authorities and launched.
 
TS-032 is a novel mGluR (metabotropic glutamate receptor) agonist that may offer a new treatment option for central nervous system disorders. Although the characteristics of mGluR are still only partly understood, mGluR is believed to play a role in the transmission of glutamate and other substances in the brain. Abnormalities in the neurotransmission through mGluR may be one cause for symptoms related to schizophrenia as well as other CNS disorders. Data show that mGluR agonists, such as TS-032, offer potential as new treatments for schizophrenia.