SCHWARZ PHARMA to complement its CNS development pipeline
Ground breaking R&D in neurodegenerative diseases
SCHWARZ PHARMA AG of Monheim, Germany and ALviva biopharmaceuticals Inc. of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada announce the signing of a collaboration and license agreement.
The collaboration gives SCHWARZ PHARMA access to a group of compounds which have been developed to address neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). At least two of ALviva's compounds have already been identified as potent agents. Besides milestone payments and license fees SCHWARZ PHARMA will fund drug development. From the collaboration, SCHWARZ PHARMA will receive the worldwide development and marketing rights to all new drugs useful for the treatment of CNS conditions. The initial goal of the work will be to select a lead compound from ALviva's most promising candidates.
ALviva's technology focuses on the mechanism by which neurons die during the course of neurodegenerative disease. This offers the opportunity that these compounds may delay or block the relentless course of deterioration taken by all neurodegenerative diseases. Such a drug would introduce a new era in the treatment of these debilitating conditions.
"This strategic alliance between SCHWARZ PHARMA and ALviva combines ALviva's expertise in CNS drug discovery and SCHWARZ PHARMA's capability in drug development" said Lars Ekman, MD, PhD, Executive Board member of SCHWARZ PHARMA AG. "Since we already have three CNS projects in Phase II, we are excited by this opportunity to add novel and innovative preclinical projects which will expand our CNS franchise."
Dr. Alan A. Boulton, President and CEO of ALviva Biopharmaceuticals Inc. said, "This alliance represents the breakthrough ALviva has been seeking. With a partner as solid and energetic as SCHWARZ PHARMA, ALviva's drugs are assured of rapid development whilst at the same time allowing ALviva to enhance its technology, understand the mechanisms of action, as well as create new drugs. It truly is a splendid international relationship."
Other news from the department
