Bristol Myers Squibb signs target validation agreement with Artemis

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has signed an agreement with Artemis to generate genetically engineered murine models (rodents) for its drug discovery programme.

The validation agreement will allow BMS to use Artemis’ models ? which will carry genetic mutations ? to validate new treatment targets, used to identify potential therapies for use in humans.

Artemis said that the rodents would be generated using its ArteMice technologies ? allowing the introduction of generic mutations into the rodents which allow for human genes to be added.

“In vivo validation of disease related drug targets and data generated from them, are increasingly considered to be vital for the success of innovative drug discovery program,” Artemis said in a release.

In other news, a skin patch which will be marketed by BMS to treat depression has gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Emsam, developed by Somerset Pharmaceuticals, is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), usually only proscribed if other treatments fail. Whereas MAOI users usually need to watch their diets to avoid dangerous interactions, the companies claim that the patch will not need the same level of attention.

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