PARIS, February 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nautilus Biotech today announced the signing of a research collaboration and license agreement to discover and develop novel recombinant Factor IX proteins for hemophilia B with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE - News). These extended half-life proteins will be designed to enhance patient convenience, as they will reduce the number and frequency of treatments needed. Wyeth currently markets the only recombinant Factor IX product, BeneFIX® Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant).
As part of the agreement, Nautilus Biotech will apply its proprietary technology to improve the duration of action of recombinant hemophilia B therapy. The Nautilus Biotech technology makes minimal and specific changes to the amino acid sequence in order to slow the breakdown of the protein in the body.
“Wyeth is continually evaluating technologies for next-generation hemophilia products that provide unique and improved features for patients. This research partnership enhances Wyeth’s presence in biopharmaceuticals and builds upon our history of innovation in hemophilia research,” says Cavan Redmond, Executive Vice President & General Manager, BioPharma Business Unit at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Under the terms of this agreement Wyeth will develop, manufacture and market successful products derived from the collaborative research. Nautilus Biotech will receive an upfront payment, R&D fees, milestone payments associated with development, regulatory filings and approvals, and royalty payments based on net sales of products.
“Nautilus Biotech has a unique technology for improving protein medicines and Wyeth has an impressive track record as a pioneer in developing state-of-the art hemophilia therapies. We believe that the collaboration between Nautilus Biotech and Wyeth will offer exciting new therapeutic approaches for hemophilia,” said Manuel Vega, Chief Executive Officer of Nautilus Biotech.
Hemophilia is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder, which affects approximately 130,000 worldwide. People with hemophilia are deficient in one of the key proteins - either Factor VIII (hemophilia A) or Factor IX (hemophilia B) - that are vital in the clotting cascade to prevent bleeding. Both forms of hemophilia are characterized by spontaneous hemorrhages or prolonged bleeding, typically into joints and soft tissue. Patients with hemophilia A or hemophilia B are dependent on protein replacement therapy with Factor VIII or Factor IX, respectively, for life.
About Nautilus Biotech
Nautilus Biotech is a leading drug discovery and development company with a novel pipeline of next-generation therapeutic proteins with superior pharmacological profiles. The Company’s protein engineering technology improves the characteristics of protein drugs, advancing drug stability and administration. Nautilus Biotech also creates proprietary best-in-class ‘next-generation’ therapeutic proteins that are suitable for oral administration. Nautilus Biotech is located at Genopole® in Evry, France.
http://www.nautilusbiotech.com/
Media Contact for Nautilus Biotech: Lorna Watson Northbank Communications Tel: +44-(0)20-3008-7559 Email: l.watson@northbankcommunications.com
Source: Nautilus Biotech
