AstraZeneca extends partnership

NPS Pharmaceuticals has extended its relationship with AstraZeneca to develop treatments targeted at metabotropic glutamate receptors (MGLRRs).

The renewed agreement extends research co-operation for three years minimum, with capacity to continue for another two years at the companies choosing. Development is aimed at finding ways to treat gastrointestinal and central nervous system disorders through MGLRRs.

The relationship has so far found one MGLRR active molecule. AstraZeneca is conducting Phase I clinical trials with the possible drug, and claims to have produced several other drug candidates.

“Our alliance with NPS has strengthened and added value to our exciting pipeline of innovative drug candidates,” said Astra Zeneca VP of Neuroscience, Bob Holland.

“Our decision to renew the collaboration reflects the strength of our joint R&D effort which has already resulted in a number of drug candidates entering early development, and our belief in the utility of these targets.”

NPS Pharmaceuticals specialises in developing drugs based on small molecules and recombinant proteins. It already has one FDA approved product and is awaiting regulatory review from the US and the EU over another product candidate.

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