Novartis signs new drug research agreement

Novartis has signed a new agreement with Entelos to conduct research into several disease areas, it has been announced.

Entelos, an American life sciences company that recently listed itself on the London Stock Exchange, will provide Novartis with its PhysioLab technology, used to research biosimulation – a method of predicting the effects of drugs by using “virtual patients”.

PhysioLab technology will be used to support phase III clinical trial design, compound optimisation and target evaluation.

In return, Novartis will provide research and development funding, although the exact terms of the agreement were undisclosed.

James Karis, president and chief executive officer of Entelos, stated: “Entelos is very excited to begin working with Novartis, a world leader in the development of innovation-driven prescription medicines.”

“The pharmaceutical industry is realising the benefits of testing targets and drugs in silico before conducting expensive clinical trials,” he added.

Entelos specialises in disease areas such as asthma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and physiological processes like haematopoeisis and skin sensitisation.

The company has said it intends to expand into fields like cardiovascular diseases, oncology and central nervous system disorders.

Entelos has existing research agreements with Johnson & Johnson, Organon, Roche and Pfizer.

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