Sign in Subscribe
Pharmaceutical industry

Metra Biosystems Announces Exclusive Research and Development Collaboration with Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Metra Biosystems, a leading international biomedical company, has announced an exclusive research and development collaboration with Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals for the development of bone-specific alkphase phosphatase. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of the existing relationship between the two companies, with Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals now having access to a complete panel of biochemical tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of bone metabolism disorders. The addition of ALKPHASE-B, a blood test used to measure bone formation, complements Metra Biosystems' existing bone-resorption markers and provides a comprehensive picture of bone health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Metra Biosystems and Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals have entered into an exclusive research and development collaboration for the Company's bone-specific alkphase phosphatase.
  • Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals has an ongoing collaboration with Metra Biosystems for the Company's bone markers PYRILINKS, PYRILINKS-D, NOVOCALCIN, and its growth markers PROLAGEN-C and FACTOR-BP3.
  • The collaboration will provide a complete panel of biochemical tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of bone metabolism disorders and the monitoring of therapeutic regimens in Japan.
  • Metra Biosystems will be responsible for the research and development of the product, while Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals will handle all Japanese regulatory filings.
  • The product, ALKPHASE-B, is a blood test used to measure bone formation and aid in the therapeutic management of patients diagnosed with metabolic bone disorders.
  • In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidelines recommending the use of Metra Biosystems' panel of bone marker diagnostics for analyzing and monitoring the efficacy of drugs under development to prevent bone loss.
  • Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals is a multinational company with over 2,000 employees worldwide, engaged in the manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals, bulk pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical equipment.
  • Metra Biosystems, Inc. is a privately held international biomedical company focused exclusively on the discovery, development, and commercialization of new products for the detection and management of bone and joint diseases.

Statistics:

  • Over 2,000 people are employed by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals worldwide.
  • Metra Biosystems has a collaboration with Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals for four bone markers: PYRILINKS, PYRILINKS-D, NOVOCALCIN, and PROLAGEN-C/FACTOR-BP3.
  • 100% of the Japanese regulatory filings for the product will be handled by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals.
  • The US Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidelines recommending the use of Metra Biosystems' panel of bone marker diagnostics for analyzing and monitoring the efficacy of drugs under development to prevent bone loss in 1994.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, March 2, 1995
  • Metra Biosystems, Inc.
  • Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals
  • US Food and Drug Administration
  • Burns McClellan
  • Bennet Weintraub, 415/903-9100
  • Scott Storbo, 212/505-1919 or sstorbo@burnsmc.com

Read more