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[ biotech news ] Cougar Biotechnology Licenses Rights to Seocalcitol from LEO Pharma
Cougar Biotechnology Licenses Rights to Seocalcitol from LEO Pharma
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company,
today announced that it has licensed the worldwide, exclusive rights
to seocalcitol (EB1089) from LEO Pharma A/S (Ballerup, Denmark).
Seocalcitol (EB1089) is a synthetic analog of vitamin D (1-alpha,25
(OH2)D3) that has been clinically tested in a number of different
cancer indications.
The results of in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that vitamin
D and analogs of vitamin D have anticancer activity in a wide range
of tumor types. The results of preclinical studies have shown that
seocalcitol (EB1089) is 50-200 times more potent than 1-alpha,25(OH2)
D3 with respect to regulation of cell growth and differentiation in
in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Importantly, because seocalcitol
has shown reduced calcemic activity compared to 1-alpha,25(OH2)D3,
this increase in antitumor activity is seen without inducing
unacceptable levels of hypercalcemia.
"Vitamin D analogs represent an emerging class of potentially
promising drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer," said Dr. Arie
Belldegrun, MD, FACS, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Cougar Biotechnology. "Based on the preclinical and clinical studies
that have been completed with seocalcitol (EB1089), we believe that
the drug may represent a potentially novel treatment option for
patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer."
"We are pleased to be able to complete this licensing agreement with
LEO Pharma," said Alan H. Auerbach, chief executive officer and
president of Cougar Biotechnology. "Seocalcitol (EB1089) is the
third drug that Cougar has in-licensed since the company was founded
approximately two years ago. We view it as an important addition to
Cougar's pipeline and as an intriguing new potential treatment for
prostate cancer."
Under the terms of the licensing agreement, LEO Pharma received an
upfront payment and will receive milestone payments as seocalcitol
progresses through clinical development as well as a royalty on
sales. Detailed financial terms were not disclosed.
About Cougar Biotechnology
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based private
biotechnology company established to in-license and develop clinical
stage drugs, with a specific focus on the field of oncology.
Cougar's oncology portfolio includes CB7630, which has completed
Phase I clinical trials in prostate cancer, and CB3304, which is
currently being tested in a Phase I trial in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Further information about Cougar Biotechnology can be found at
www.cougarbiotechnology.com.
About LEO Pharma A/S
LEO Pharma A/S is a research-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical
company among the world's leading players in topical dermatology and
parenteral treatment of thrombotic disorders. The foundation-owned
company is headquartered in Denmark, markets its products in 90
countries and employs 3,300 people in 40 countries. Further
information about LEO Pharma can be found at www.leo-pharma.com.
Contact Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. Alan H. Auerbach, 310-443-4209
http://www.arizonabiotech.com/
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