Archemix also strengthens IP portfolio through patent license
October 20, 2008 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Archemix Corp., a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing aptamer therapeutics, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) regarding aptamer therapeutic R&D evaluation and access to intellectual property. The agreement enables Archemix to license certain intellectual property rights from Lilly and, in return, Lilly has an option to conduct R&D evaluation of aptamers for certain drug targets. Lilly also retains an option to enter into an exclusive license with Archemix for up to two of the aptamer targets.
“This agreement also supports our strategy to further strengthen Archemix’s position of consolidating all of the significant intellectual property related to aptamer therapeutics.”
“We are excited to enter into this collaboration with a company of the caliber of Lilly to consider pursuing drug targets where aptamer therapeutics may have unique advantages to treat diseases,” said Dr. Errol De Souza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Archemix. “This agreement also supports our strategy to further strengthen Archemix’s position of consolidating all of the significant intellectual property related to aptamer therapeutics.”
About Aptamers
Aptamers are synthetically-derived oligonucleotides, or short nucleic acid sequences, that bind to protein targets with high affinity and specificity and can be designed to have a specified duration of action. Aptamers represent an emerging class of potential therapeutic agents that Archemix believes may have broad application to treat a variety of human diseases.
About Archemix
Archemix is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing aptamer therapeutics. Using Archemix’s proprietary processes for discovering aptamers, which are protected by its broad patent portfolio, Archemix is developing aptamer product candidates for rare hematological diseases. In addition, Archemix has licensed its intellectual property to third parties to develop their own aptamer product candidates. Currently, Archemix and its licensees are evaluating four different aptamer product candidates in human clinical trials; two in Phase 2 and two in Phase 1. To date, Archemix has licensed its intellectual property to discover and develop aptamer product candidates to nine biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Merck Serono, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Contacts
Yates Public Relations
Kathryn Morris, 845-635-9828