Cerep licenses eye disease compound to Thea
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
Cerep has licensed an LFA-1 receptor antagonist with potential for treating eye disease to Théa for an undisclosed sum. Last year the two firms identified a new topical indication for the antagonist in ophthalmology which greatly reduces the risk of hepatotoxic effects. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Cerep stopped the original development programme in systemic immuno-inflammatory diseases after discovering hepatotoxic effects following oral administration. The licence agreement triggers a first payment to Cerep, followed by milestones and royalties once the drug reaches the market. Cerep will receive the first milestone after successful proof-of-concept, which will be started shortly. Thierry Jean, Cerep'spresident and CEO, said the new indication should reduce side-effects as it would most likely require a reduced dosage. LFA-1 is a key adhesion receptor in immune and inflammatory processes and acts as a signal-transducing molecule.