Date: Jan 04, 2017 Source: GEN Eng News (
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AstraZeneca and APT Therapeutics have signed a research collaboration, option, and asset deal focused on the development of APT's lead human recombinant apyrase therapy APT102 for the treatment of thrombotic diseases. Under terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will make an undisclosed upfront cash payment to APT, which will also be eligible to receive future development milestones. The U.K. drug-maker will carry out all clinical trials with APT102 for the indications of heart attack and stroke.
APT claims that studies in animal models of stroke and heart attack have shown that unlike existing antithrombotic drugs, which can increase bleeding risk, APT102 reduces clot formation without causing bleeding and can also reduce bleeding associated with current antithrombotics. Animal studies also indicate that APT102 starts to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation almost immediately after intravenous administration and continues to work for at least 24 hours after a single injection.
"The science behind APT102 provides a differentiated opportunity for cardio protection during the critical acute phase after a heart attack or stroke," commented Marcus Schindler, vp for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, innovative medicines, and early development at AstraZeneca. "We are constantly building our portfolio in the cardiovascular disease area with projects and technologies that demonstrate innovative mechanisms of action and are relevant to patients with unmet medical needs."
APT maintains AstraZeneca's expertise in cardiovascular drug development, and antithrombotic therapy will make it an ideal partner for the development of APT102. "By combining their strengths with our own research and development expertise in human apyrase therapy, we have a great opportunity to develop a breakthrough drug that will safely and substantially improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide," stated Ridong Chen, Ph.D., president and CEO of APT Therapeutics.
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