Shire licenses in renal and genetic disease technology

The UK’s third-largest pharmaceutical company, Shire, has in-licensed new technology to develop treatments for renal and genetic diseases.

Under an agreement with Warren Pharmaceuticals, Shire has received worldwide rights for tissue protective cytokine (TPC) technology, including the identification of modified erythropoietin (EPO) molecules, which can be used in a “wide variety of disease areas”.

In particular, Shire cites “considerable evidence” that EPO protects against cell death, while TPC versions of the compound suggest that it has the ability to regulate blood cell production while maintaining its “tissue protective” effect.

TPCs have also prevented cell death, reduced inflammation and improved the autoregulation of blood vessels in animal models, the company states.

Mattew Emmens, chief executive of Shire, remarked: “The technology developed by Warren Pharmaceuticals provides an excellent strategic fit within our human genetic therapies and renal businesses, with the potential to build a franchise around TPCs in a broad range of indications.”

In related news, Shire has also announced it has received notification from Andrx Pharmaceuticals, a generic company, indicating that it wishes to launch a generic version of Adderall XR, the ADHD drug, in the US.

Shire has said it is considering Andrx’s application, which could result in a lawsuit against Andrx. Shire has previously defended patent challenges for Adderall XR from Barr, Impax and Teva.