Roche signs anaemia partnership with Xenon

Roche has signed a partnership with Xenon for the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of anaemia using protein therapeutics targeting hemojuvelin (HJV).

HJV is thought to play a vital role in the regulation of iron for the production of red blood cells. Xenon previously discovered that it was the defective protein causing Juvenile Hemochomatosis.

Simon Pimstone, president and chief executive officer of Xenon, reported that the company was “very excited” about the partnership.

“We recognise that Roche is the leading company in the field of anaemia and one also with significant presence in biologics,” he said.

“Roche is the ideal partners for developing protein modulators of HJV,” he added.

Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will jointly research protein-based HJV inhibitors, while Roche Venture Fund has also acquired stock of Xenon to the value of $7 million (3.57 million pounds).

Roche recently announced the result of two studies showing that patients with chronic kidney disease can be treated twice-monthly with Mircera whether they are on dialysis or otherwise.

The drug was shown to be as effective as existing compounds for the treatment of renal anaemia with a reduced dosing frequency.