Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Axys Pharmaceuticals Partner for Cathepsin S Protease Inhibitor Development

Strategic Insights -

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, a subsidiary of Rhone-Poulenc S.A., and Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have entered into a collaborative research and development agreement to discover and develop small molecule therapeutics that inhibit cathepsin S, a human cysteine protease associated with inflammatory diseases. The two-year collaboration aims to address diseases such as arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and various autoimmune conditions. Under the agreement, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer will receive exclusive development and marketing rights to cathepsin S protease inhibitors for respiratory diseases, atherosclerosis, and related conditions, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The collaboration is focused on developing small molecule therapeutics that inhibit cathepsin S, a human cysteine protease associated with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune conditions.
  • Rhone-Poulenc Rorer will receive exclusive development and marketing rights to cathepsin S protease inhibitors for respiratory diseases, atherosclerosis, and related conditions, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The agreement provides for potential payments to Axys of over $80 million in research funding, license fees, and milestones, in addition to royalties.
  • Cathepsin S is a member of a large family of cysteine proteases, enzymes responsible for the cleavage and breakdown of other natural proteins in normal biological processes.
  • Drugs designed to inhibit cathepsin S are expected to provide a novel method for controlling antigen-induced response in multiple inflammatory and autoimmune disease states.
  • Axys brings a significant body of knowledge about the role of cathepsin S in human disease and about the design of inhibitors of cathepsin S as potential therapeutics.
  • Rhone-Poulenc Rorer's expertise in respiratory, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases makes them a superior strategic partner in this program.

Statistics:

  • The collaboration is for two years and may be extended by RPR for up to an additional two years.
  • Axys Pharmaceuticals is expected to receive over $80 million in potential payments in the form of research funding, license fees, and milestones.
  • Cathepsin S is a member of a large family of cysteine proteases, with enzymes responsible for cleavage and breakdown of other natural proteins.
  • The agreement provides for royalties to Axys in addition to research funding, license fees, and milestones.

Sources:

  • BW HealthWire, "Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Axys Pharmaceuticals Announce Collaboration" (Dec. 18, 1998)
  • Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, "About Rhone-Poulenc Rorer"
  • Axys Pharmaceuticals, "About Axys Pharmaceuticals"
  • Protein Science, "Three-Dimensional Structure of Cathepsin S" (June 1998)