Full Press Release Details
Sanofi-aventis and US
Biopharmaceutical Company Ascenta
Sign License Agreement in Oncology
- Small molecules could restore Tumor Cell Apoptosis
by reactivating tumor suppressor functions of the p53 gene -
Paris, France June 4, 2010 Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Ascenta Therapeutics, a US Biopharmaceutical
Company in Malvern, Pennsylvania, announced today the signature of an exclusive global collaboration and licensing agreement on a number of compounds that could restore tumor cell apoptosis. These compounds inhibit the p53-HDM2 (Human Double
Minute 2) protein-protein interaction, leading potentially to reactivation of p53 tumour suppressor functions and therefore enhancing current cancer treatments.
Under this agreement, sanofi-aventis will receive an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize all compounds issued
from this program. Two compounds, MI-773 and MI-519-64, are currently expected to enter preclinical development in 2010.
in-licensed those compounds from the University of Michigan. Both sanofi-aventis and Ascenta will provide funding for the ongoing research of p53-HDM2 inhibitors at the University of Michigan and Ascenta may participate in ongoing research
activities and potential future clinical development.
This new partnership continues to illustrate sanofi-aventis
commitment to develop innovative targeted therapies in Oncology , declared Debasish Roychowdhury, M.D., Senior Vice President, Global Oncology, sanofi-aventis. The inhibition of protein-protein interaction is always a challenge in
discovery, and the finding of potent and selective compounds could offer an attractive new therapeutic approach for cancer patients. This approach is perfectly in line with the company s strategy to find new drugs focused on patient specific
Under the terms of the agreement, Ascenta will receive an upfront payment, as well as development, regulatory and
commercial milestone payments. All such payments could reach a total of US$ 398 million. In addition, Ascenta is eligible to receive tiered royalties on worldwide product sales.
About p53- HDM2 Inhibition
The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a major mediator of growth arrest and apoptosis in response to a broad array of cellular damage. It has been
called the guardian of the genome through its role in controlling the cell cycle and monitoring the integrity of the genome. HDM2 protein is the principal cellular antagonist of p53. HDM2 binding to p53 leads to p53 degradation. Loss of
p53 functions occurs in 50% of all cancers through mutation of p53 gene and also through overexpression of HDM2 protein, due to transcriptional regulation of the HDM2 gene amplification. Therefore, blocking the interaction between p53 and HDM2 in
cancer cells should reactivate p53 tumour suppressor functions and enhance current cancer treatments.
About Ascenta Therapeutics
Ascenta Therapeutics is a privately-held, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of new
medicines to treat cancer. Ascenta s current focus is a portfolio of novel, orally-active, small molecule drugs that restore the natural potential for cancer cells to undergo cell death (apoptosis).
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone.
Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY). For more information, please visit: www.sanofi-aventis.com.
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