Metrion: Pharma collaboration to help realize newly-acquired IP potential

By Melissa Fassbender

- Last updated on GMT

(Image: Getty/solvod)
(Image: Getty/solvod)

Related tags Neurology Pharmacology Medicine

Metrion Biosciences has acquired a portfolio of more than 2,000 small molecule potassium channel inhibitors from Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT), with potential application in a variety of clinical indications.

The specialist ion channel contract research and drug discovery company now owns all patented and unpatented intellectual property (IP) developed during the companies’ previous three-year collaboration.

"The compounds acquired are potent inhibitors of a potassium channel thought to be important in many autoimmune and neurological diseases. Metrion believes it can collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to realize enhanced value from these assets​,” Keith McCullagh, chairman, Metrion Biosciences​ told Outsourcing-Pharma.com.

According to the company, the compounds did not meet JT’s criteria for product development, though Metrion has identified potential applications in various clinical indications, including auto-immune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

JT will receive an upfront fee with potential milestone and/or royalty payments if further development and commercialization is successful.

Additional details of the deal were not disclosed.

Related topics Preclinical Research

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