AstraZeneca allies with APT Therapeutics on human apyrase therapy research

AstraZeneca has announced a new research collaboration, option and asset purchase agreement with APT Therapeutics in the field of human apyrase therapy research.

The project will centre on APT102, an innovative human apyrase therapy for the treatment of thrombotic diseases, which was developed by APT Therapeutics using proprietary protein engineering strategies.

AstraZeneca will provide an upfront cash payment plus future milestone-based fees to APT Therapeutics, and has agreed to fund all future clinical trials of the drug for heart attack and stroke.

Unlike current antithrombotic drugs, which are associated with an elevated bleeding risk, APT102 has been shown to be able to attenuate clot formation without causing bleeding in animal models of heart attack and stroke.

Moreover, it can mitigate bleeding associated with current antithrombotic medications, while offering a fast onset of action, meaning it holds potential to fulfil an unmet need in prehospital settings.

Marcus Schindler, vice-president for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at AstraZeneca's innovative medicines and early development business, said: "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."

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