Rhone-Poulenc Rorer And PPD Discovery Form Alliance On Therapeutic Targets

A new four-year, genomics alliance between Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc. (RPR) and PPD Discovery, will develop therapeutic agents in oncology, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and central nervous system disorders, it was announced recently.

The two companies will collaborate to find new therapeutic targets in each disease area using PPD Discovery's patented GSX System. This technology isolates functional inhibitors, called Genetic Suppressor Elements (GSEs), of any gene responsible for a disease pathway. GSEs are small gene fragments that, when expressed in cells, inhibit the production or activity of the corresponding target protein. From libraries of random gene fragments, investigators select those GSEs that cause desired changes in predictive disease models. For some indications, GSEs might be delivered as gene therapy medicines. More generally, GSEs identify and validate targets for drug discovery.

"The genomics revolution continues to generate almost overwhelming lists of potential targets for the discovery of new medicines," said Dr. Mark Furth, chief scientific officer of PPD Discovery. "To harness that information successfully, we must focus on those critical steps in disease pathways at which drugs can effect a desired outcome. Genetic selection, using the GSX approach, points directly to valid targets."

Under the terms of the joint research agreement, RPR will commit funding for scientists from both companies to develop cellular models and to select GSEs. RPR will initiate drug discovery based on human gene targets identified through the collaborative program, and will have worldwide rights to the resulting therapeutic products. PPD Discovery will have worldwide rights to commercialize products for diagnostics applications, including pharmacogenomics. PPD Discovery also will have the right to develop therapeutic products against targets that RPR elects not to pursue, although RPR will have the first option to license such products.

In addition to research support, PPD Discovery will receive research and development milestone payments and royalties on sales of RPR products resulting from the collaboration, while RPR will receive development milestone payments and royalties on sales of PPD Discovery products. RPR will also obtain a non-exclusive license from PPD Discovery to use GSX technology for the research program.

For more information: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc., 500 Arcola Road, P.O. Box 1200, Collegeville, PA 19426-0107, USA. Telephone: 610-454 8000.