Paris and
London, 13 June 2005 – Fournier Pharma and Xytis Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced
today that they have signed an agreement for the development and
commercialisation of XY 2405 (LF16-0687MS), a potential new medication for the
treatment of traumatic brain injury, originating from Fournier Pharma’s
Research.
Fournier Pharma has granted Xytis an exclusive worldwide license for the
development, manufacture and sale of the product containing its bradykinin B2
antagonist for traumatic brain injury and possibly other indications. Fournier
Pharma has retained full rights to manufacture the compound. The parties do not
wish to disclose further details on the transaction.
Jean-Louis Junien, Chief Scientific Officer, Fournier Pharma, said: “Development
in brain trauma is complex, but XY 2405 is a very promising compound. Because
its mechanism targets the treatment of cerebral edema, it should reduce early
mortality, prevent long-term functional handicap and improve neurological
outcome. I am pleased that this innovative compound from our Research Group is
progressing into phase II with Xytis.”
Sandrine Cailleteau, Vice President Business Development & Licensing, Fournier
Pharma, commented: “This partnership is very positive as it allows us to
optimize our R&D. We can concentrate our resources on metabolic diseases, our
core business, while still being able to continue the development of XY 2405
through Xytis’ strong commitment.”
Dr. Werner Tschollar, founder and CEO of Xytis Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said:
“Traumatic brain injury is an area of high unmet medical need. XY 2405 belongs
to the therapeutic class of bradykinin B2 inhibitors, which has demonstrated in
previous clinical and non-clinical studies a potential benefit for the
prevention of secondary brain damage in traumatic brain injury. We believe that
XY 2405 has a very good chance of becoming the first ever marketed drug
improving TBI patients’ clinical outcome.”
About Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death and
generates significant economic costs to our society. There is currently no
effective therapy available to treat this condition. The incidence rate of
moderate and severe TBI represents 300,000 new case per year in the US, Europe
and Japan Severe TBI is often associated with permanent functional and cognitive
disorders, learning disabilities and a range of behavioural and emotional
problems.
The occurrence of TBI is highest among young and elderly people. The leading
causes of TBI are motor vehicle accidents, firearms and accidental falls (the
leading cause of brain injury in the elderly). TBI is also a major cause of
hospitalisation in the military. The annual market potential for the first
FDA-approved drug treating TBI in the U.S. alone is estimated above $500 million
and the worldwide market potential above $1 billion.
About XY 2405 (LF16-0687MS)
XY 2405 is a new potent and selective non-peptide antagonist of the bradyknin B2
receptor. Phase-I clinical trials have evaluated the safety and the
pharmacokinetics of the compound in both healthy volunteers and in patients with
severe traumatic brain injury. The compound was shown to be well tolerated. XY
2405 has received Fast Track designation and Orphan Drug status in the EU and in
the US in January 2004 and April 2005.
About Fournier Pharma
Fournier Pharma is a pharmaceutical company with 30 years of experience in the
study of lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Its activities are focused
on the treatment of metabolic diseases and the prevention of cardiovascular
risk.
With spending on Research and Development accounting for 13% of turnover,
Fournier Pharma is today working on the discovery of new drug targets and
innovative drugs in the field of metabolic diseases, in particular for the
treatment of diabetes, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
With a total of 3 400 employees, Fournier Pharma reached sales of 593 million
euros in 2004, of which 74% was generated outside France through subsidiary
companies and partnerships. Today, Fournier Pharma has a direct presence in 30
countries worldwide including the main countries of Europe, the US, Canada,
China, and South East Asia, and markets its products in more than 80 countries.
Please visit us at
www.fournierpharma.com
About Xytis Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Xytis Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a start-up company focused on the in-licensing and
the development of later stage CNS drug candidates. The company was founded by
Dr. Werner Tschollar, a seasoned entrepreneur and pharmaceutical industry
executive, who previously held senior R&D positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb,
Schering Plough and Novartis. The company received financing from Atlas Venture
and CDC Entreprises Innovation.
Xytis has started assembling a pipeline of novel compounds addressing major
unmet needs in the psychiatric and neurological fields. The first product
in-licensed by Xytis is neboglamine, a potential new anti-psychotic compound
showing great potential to treat a variety of disorders, including negative
symptoms of schizophrenia as well as depressive and cognitive disorders.
Neboglamine will start Phase I in Europe in 2005.
For more information contact:
Lise LEMONNIER
Corporate Communication Manager
Fournier Pharma
Dr. Werner TSCHOLLAR
Chief Executive Officer
Xytis Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Email: 
