MARKHAM, ON, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ - Cytochroma Inc. and aOvaTechnologies, Inc. (aOvaTech) announced today that the companies have entered into a license and supply agreement to co-develop and commercialize products directed at treating and preventing hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Under the terms of the agreement, Cytochroma gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize aOvaTech’s proprietary technology for use in human healthcare. aOvaTech will receive an up front license fee and royalties on the sale of products covered by the license. aOvaTech will also supply Cytochroma with material for development and commercialization.
“A primary goal in the management of patients with CKD is to maintain the serum phosphorus level within normal limits. Despite nearly four decades of experience with phosphorus management strategies in these patients, phosphorus control remains elusive,” said Keith Crawford, Vice President of Strategic Planning at Cytochroma. “The aim of this partnership between Cytochroma and aOvaTech is to simplify and improve the treatment regimen for CKD patients who struggle with phosphorus control.”
“We are pleased to be working with innovators of a platform of protected technologies based on novel uses of antibodies,” said Mr. Crawford. “We will be able to rapidly advance the development of these new products by combining aOvaTech’s expertise in nutritional regulation of immune function with our understanding of the molecular physiology underlying these novel products,” added Mr. Crawford.
Careful management of hyperphosphatemia in CKD is essential in preventing hyperparathyroidism and metastatic calcification, including calcification of cardiovascular tissues. Hyperphosphatemia is normally managed by a combination of dietary controls and the use of phosphate-binding agents. However, these approaches can be challenging because of poor patient compliance with low-phosphorus diets as well as the limited efficacy of currently available treatments.
Despite the availability of new phosphorus-binding agents, it remains a challenge for many ESRD patients to maintain their serum phosphorus levels within targeted ranges. According to the K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bone Metabolism and Disease, Guideline 3, Evaluation of Serum Phosphorus Levels, fewer than 30 percent of dialysis patients are able to maintain serum phosphorus levels in the target ranges.
“This collaboration represents a unique opportunity for both companies to combine their respective strengths and expertise in this exciting area of research in a way that is mutually beneficial and provides a promising new treatment option for CKD patients,” commented Eric Messner, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Cytochroma.
“aOva’s proprietary technology has significant potential in the CKD market. We are excited and pleased to work with Cytochroma to apply this technology to an important and growing area of human healthcare,” said Bryan Renk, President, CEO, and Director of aOva.
About Cytochroma Inc.
Cytochroma Inc. is an integrated specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of proprietary products to treat and prevent the clinical consequences of diseases and disorders related to vitamin D deficiency. The company has an advanced portfolio of new products targeting vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. In addition, the company is developing novel vitamin D therapies to treat hyperproliferative disorders such as cancer and psoriasis. Cytochroma is a privately held company with offices in Markham, Ontario and Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.cytochroma.com.
About aOvaTechnologies, Inc.
aOvaTechnologies, Inc. is a Wisconsin biotechnology company organized in 2001 for the purpose of commercializing the company’s proprietary technologies and products to offer the producer and feed nutritionist a new strategy in animal nutrition. aOvaTech’s egg powder product is a naturally produced dietary additive that results in greater nutritional performance for growing animals. The company has developed scalable production and manufacturing processes which allowed market entry into the U.S. swine industry in 2005. aOvaTech is a privately held company with offices in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.aovatech.com
Cytochroma Inc.
CONTACT: Eric J. Messner, Vice President, Commercial Operations, (905)479-5306 ext. 338, eric.messner@cytochroma.com
