Ark will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development of the molecule.
Ark Biosciences of Shanghai partnered with the California Institute for Biomedical Research of La Jolla to develop first-in-class therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related lung diseases. Based on its breakthrough in synthesizing boronic acids, Calibr constructed a compound to inhibit neutrophil elastase, the cause of damage in COPD, cystic fibrosis and other respiratory ailments. Calibr is an affiliate of The Scripps Research Institute. Ark, a specialist in viral infection and respiratory diseases, will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development of the molecule.