HAYWARD, Calif., June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Acologix, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company, and Toray Industries, Inc. of Tokyo, Japan, announced that the companies have entered into a development and license agreement relating to Acologix’ AC-200 program in Japan. AC-200, or Phosphatonin, is a recombinant protein in preclinical development for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, a condition where serum phosphate levels are elevated. Hyperphosphatemia is a common problem for end or advanced-stage renal disease patients that can lead to a variety of serious medical conditions including cardiovascular events and bone disease.
“Toray is very pleased to work with Acologix on the AC-200 program,” stated Kozo Nagai, Managing Director of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products Division at Toray Industries, Inc. Mr. Nagai further stated, “Forging a renal alliance with Acologix continues to be an important strategy for Toray, and we look forward to developing novel drugs for kidney patients.”
“Developing novel therapeutics for renal failure patients is an important component of Acologix’ corporate strategy,” stated Yoshi Kumagai, President and CEO of Acologix, Inc. Mr. Kumagai added, “This partnership represents an important step and strengthens our relationship with Toray, a leading Japanese company with significant expertise in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, particularly in the kidney disease and dialysis area.”
Toray has been granted an exclusive license to AC-200 in Japan. Acologix will maintain primary development responsibility for AC-200, and Toray may participate in certain development activities. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Toray Industries, Inc.
Toray, founded in 1926, is a diversified chemical manufacturer with operations in 18 countries and regions. Throughout its history, Toray has kept itself focused on research and technological development, seeking to contribute to society by creating new value. Underlying Toray’s operations is technological expertise in the three core fields of organic synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and biochemistry. Toray’s operation also diversifies into such business fields as Information and Telecommunications Related (IT-Related) Products, Housing and Engineering, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products, and Advanced Composite Materials. Toray positions its Life Sciences business, including pharmaceuticals and medical products, as one of its strategic businesses destined for future expansion and likely to become a nuclear business in the 21st century. Notably, Toray was the first company to obtain approval for a human natural interferon-beta product (Feron) and an orally active prostacyclin (PGI2) derivative (Dorner). Feron is primarily used to treat chronic hepatitis C, and Dorner is used to treat chronic arterial occlusion. Toray has also established its preeminence as a global leader in medical device products such as Filtryzer and Toraysulfone artificial kidneys, and Toraymyxin an extra-corporeal blood purification column for the treatment of septicemia.
Acologix, Inc.
Acologix, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, is developing and commercializing innovative biopharmaceuticals targeting osteo-renal diseases, including chronic kidney disease, renal osteodystrophy, bone repair and regeneration, periodontal disease, general dentistry and oral care. Acologix has been partnering with Toray on the development and commercialization of TRK-820 for the treatment of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients. TRK-820 is being studied in a European Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial, and the conduct of a Phase 3 trial is planned in the United States. AC-100 (Dentonin(R)), a novel small peptide with dental, periodontal and orthopedic applications, is currently being studied in two Phase 2 clinical studies, one in dental restoration procedures and another for the repair of periodontal defects. Acologix is also developing AC-200 (Phosphatonin) to treat hyperphosphatemia and subsequent clinical problems associated with chronic kidney disease. For more information go to www.acologix.com.
This press release contains “forward-looking” statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding product development and cannot be guaranteed. Acologix undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Acologix’ business.
Acologix, Inc.
CONTACT: John Buckley, Chief Financial Officer, of Acologix, Inc.,+1-510-512-7261, or john.buckley@acologix.com
Web site: http://www.acologix.com//
