STOCKHOLM, 14 November, 2017 -- Promore Pharma AB, a Swedish biopharmaceutical developer of therapeutic peptides, announced today that an out-licensing agreement for its antimicrobial peptide DPK-060 has been signed with New York-based Transdermal Therapeutic Technologies LLC (“TTT”) for the development of topical anti-infective products.
Promore Pharma has signed an out-licensing agreement with TTT for its anti-microbial peptide DPK-060. TTT, which is a business development hub, shall together with strategic partners, finance and organize further research and development with the objective of yielding new products for prevention and treatment of skin infections. Potential future clinical indications include secondary infections in atopic dermatitis and traumatic injuries, as well as other uncomplicated dermal, vaginal and ophthalmological infections where topical administration may be relevant. Under the terms of the out-licensing agreement, Promore Pharma has granted its American partner an exclusive, world-wide license to develop and commercialize novel anti-infective products based on its patent-protected peptide DPK-060. Promore Pharma will receive double-digit royalties from TTT and its business partners on any products sold or transaction made involving DPK-060.
“I am very contented about entering into this agreement with Promore Pharma. Antibiotics resistance is a threat to the entire global community. Antimicrobial peptides such as DPK-060, that do not seem to trigger the kind of therapeutics resistance that is associated with conventional antibiotics, hold a very high promise in the combat of various infections,” said Subhash Chander, President of TTT.
Over the last decade, decreasing effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial-drugs has caused serious problems due to the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, biofilms form microbial environments that enhance antimicrobial resistance. As a result, there is a continuous search to overcome or control such problems, which has resulted in antimicrobial peptides being considered as an alternative to conventional drugs.
There are currently no topical antibiotics that are suitable for long-term use. This is an unmet medical need that can be addressed by DPK-060 in respect to uncomplicated skin- and skin structure infections (uSSSI). It is deemed that the annual market potential for such a product would be 150 - 200 MEUR in North America, EU and Japan, in the field of secondary infections of atopic dermatitis alone.
Promore Pharma’s President and CEO, Jonas Ekblom said: "We are a small company, and we have chosen to focus on our most advanced assets that are currently entering Phase II and III, respectively. From that perspective, we are very enthusiastic about this agreement with TTT that will allow the development of DPK-060 to proceed without compromising the bandwidth of our organization. The timing is very compelling for Promore Pharma, since we just are about to conclude a large academic collaboration involving DPK-060 that has been funded by an EU grant. Through this collaboration, the FORMAMP project, we have gained a better understanding on the possibilities of developing effective dosage forms of antimicrobial peptides.”
DPK-060 is an antimicrobial peptide derived from the endogenous protein kininogen, which plays a role in inflammation, blood pressure control and pain. The peptide has been characterized in extensive toxicology models with good results and in the two clinical phase I/II trials previously conducted by the company. These studies indicate that the peptide is suitable for long-term treatment of infections, and studies indicate that the risk of allergies or immunological reactions is low. Additionally, DPK-060 has a broad spectrum-acting antibacterial effect, including resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA, along with anti-biofilm activity. These properties have been confirmed by several different research groups in Europe through the FORMAMP project. It is also believed that it is very difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to antimicrobial peptides such as DPK-060 because most kill bacterial cells quickly through their actions on the entire cytoplasmic membrane.
For additional information, please contact
Jonas Ekblom, CEO
Phone: [+46] 736 777 540
Email: jonas.ekblom@promorepharma.com
Jenni Björnulfson, CFO
Phone: [+46] 708 55 38 05
Email: jenni.bjornulfson@promorepharma.com
This information is information that Promore Pharma AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 08.30 CET on 14 November 2017.
Promore Pharma in brief:
Promore Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of therapeutic peptides for the bioactive wound care market. The company’s aim is to develop two first-in-category products for indications where very few efficacious prescription pharmaceuticals are available, thus, addressing high unmet medical needs. Promore Pharma has two projects, PXL01 and LL-37, in late stage clinical phase. PXL01, that will be used for prevention of post-surgical adhesions and scars, is being prepared for clinical phase III-studies in patients undergoing tendon repair surgery in the hand and LL-37 that is prepared for a clinical phase IIb study in patients with venous leg ulcers. The product candidates can also be deployed for other indications, such as preventing dermal scarring and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The company is listed on Nasdaq First North with Redeye AB as Certified Adviser.
Transdermal Therapeutic Technologies in brief:
TTT is a consulting company specializing in assisting pharmaceutical and biotech globally, big and small, in in/out-licensing innovative technologies and products from academia and the industry. TTT can provide assistance throughout the process – from identifying potential partners, leading negotiations to deal finalization. TTT very selectively acquires innovative pharmaceutical and biotech products in early stages of development and advance them through the clinic as far as the financial resources allow, and then license-out to appropriate candidates for further development and commercialization. See also www.transdermaltt.com
Atopic dermatitis:
Atopic dermatitis and nummular eczema are chronic inflammatory skin diseases, which are characterized by intense itching, skin damage, dry skin, redness and exudation. Skin eczema is a widespread disease in all of the developed pharmaceutical markets, afflicting 10-20% of children and 2-3% of adults; it is estimated that over 50 million patients suffer from dermatitis in US, EU and Japan. In the United States the prevalence of atopic dermatitis has nearly tripled in the past thirty to forty years, and the reasons for this trend are unknown. A significant proportion of patients with eczema experience recurrent infections with Staphylococcus aureus that aggravates the disease. The bacteria produce super-antigens, which are potent inducers of strong unspecific immune reactions and are a cause of pruritus (itching). The presentation of endogenous antimicrobial peptides in patients with infected skin lesions is substantially suppressed.
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