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Genome Therapeutics and Astra Research Center Boston Expand Alliance for Helicobacter pylori Treatments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Genome Therapeutics Corp., a leading genomics company, and Astra Research Center Boston have announced an extension of their alliance to develop novel anti-infectives and vaccines for treating Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with peptic ulcers and stomach cancers. The expanded agreement, which will carry the alliance through at least August 1999, follows a previous agreement announced in September 1995. The companies are working to translate genetic information into novel drug targets, with several milestones already achieved, including the delivery of vaccine candidates and the commencement of high-throughput screening for small molecule drug candidates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Genome Therapeutics and Astra Research Center Boston have extended their alliance to develop treatments for Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to peptic ulcers and stomach cancers.
  • The expanded agreement, which lasts through at least August 1999, follows a previous agreement announced in September 1995.
  • The companies are working to develop novel anti-infectives and vaccines, with several milestones already achieved, including the delivery of vaccine candidates and high-throughput screening for small molecule drug candidates.
  • Helicobacter pylori is associated with the onset of most peptic ulcers and certain stomach cancers, with 500,000 persons developing ulcers each year in the United States and $7 billion spent on treating ulcers globally.
  • Genome Therapeutics has identified and characterized the genomic sequence of H. pylori, while Astra Research Center Boston has focused on developing small molecule drugs and vaccines to improve current therapies.
  • The companies have made significant progress in translating genetic information into novel drug targets, with the alliance being one of Genome Therapeutics' most successful partnerships.
  • Robert J. Hennessey, Chairman, President, and CEO of Genome Therapeutics, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the alliance and looks forward to continuing the partnership.

Statistics:

  • 500,000 persons develop ulcers each year in the United States.
  • $7 billion is spent on treating ulcers worldwide.
  • Genome Therapeutics has completed the genomic sequence of H. pylori in 1994.
  • The alliance between Genome Therapeutics and Astra Research Center Boston was announced in September 1995.
  • The expanded agreement will carry the alliance through at least August 1999.

Sources:

  • "Genome Therapeutics and Astra Research Center Boston Expand Alliance for Helicobacter pylori Treatments" (PRNewswire, June 15, 1998)
  • "Annual Report on Form 10-K" (Genome Therapeutics Corp., Securities and Exchange Commission)
  • "Press Release" (Astra Research Center Boston, September 1995)

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