Hydra Biosciences and Pfizer Global Research & Development Sign Collaboration Agreement.-- Leverages Hydra's Proprietary Ion Channel ion channel n. See channel. Technology in the Area of Pain - CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Hydra Biosciences announced today that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Pfizer Global Research & Development. The collaboration will be focused on TRPV TRPV Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily V 3 antagonist product candidates for pain. The Transient Receptor Potential Transient receptor potential or TRP channels are a family of loosely related ion channels that are non-selectively permeable to cations, including calcium and magnesium. (TRP Trp tryptophan. TRP traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Trp tryptophan. ) channel family comprises a novel group of non-selective cation cation (kăt'ī`ən), atom or group of atoms carrying a positive charge. The charge results because there are more protons than electrons in the cation. channels that are distinct from classical voltage gated ion channels. Recent work indicates that TRPs respond to a variety of stimuli and second messenger signaling. As such, it is believed that TRPs act as multimodal Two or more modes of operation. The term is used to refer to a myriad of functions and conditions in which two or more different methods, processes or forms of delivery are used. On the Web, it refers to asking for something one way and receiving the answer another; for example requesting signal integrators. This gene family represents ~10% of all ion channels. Since TRP channels are only distantly related to voltage gated channels and homology among TRP family members is quite low, it is anticipated that specific and selective modulators may be more readily identified in this family than in other ion channel families, limiting the potential for off-target effects, which have plagued other ion channel families. Under the terms of the agreement, Hydra will receive upfront and success-based development milestone payments totaling $195 million for the first developed product launched, with upside potential Upside potential The amount by which analysts or investors expect the price of a security may increase. upside potential The potential price or gain that may be expected in a security or in a security average, generally stated as the dollar for additional approved indications. Furthermore, there are opportunities afforded under this agreement for the development of additional products. Pfizer will fund all research and development under the agreement and will receive exclusive access to Hydra's current TRPV3 patents as well as an exclusive license to commercialize any compound from the collaboration. Once the products are on the market, Pfizer will pay worldwide royalties to Hydra. "Hydra's growing franchise opportunities in ion channel agonists and antagonists are competitively differentiated. We have distinct capabilities in rapid ion channel assay development and high throughput screening, we employ the 'gold standard' in characterizing all viable compounds, and we are building a particular expertise in chemistry. Driving this franchise is a deep pipeline of programs advancing through development in a variety of pain indications, renal disease, pulmonary dysfunction, and hypertension. Today's collaboration with Pfizer, a leader in the pain field, represents an important validating step for this novel approach for the treatment of pain and for our core ion channel technology. In addition, we are looking forward to pursuing a number of opportunities for our non-TRPV3 ion channel agonists and antagonists," stated Russell Herndon, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Hydra Biosciences. About Ion Channels Ion channels have been implicated im·pli·cate tr.v. im·pli·cat·ed, im·pli·cat·ing, im·pli·cates 1. To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly: evidence that implicates others in the plot. 2. in many diseases, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal disorders, cystic fibrosis and pathological pain. Many drugs on the market today act on ion channels, either directly or indirectly, including calcium channel blockers Calcium Channel Blockers Definition Calcium channel blockers are medicines that slow the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. for hypertension and angina, and sodium channel blockers for pain. Hydra's TRP channel discovery program has identified numerous modulators predicted to impact diseases such as pain and inflammation, hypertension, and pulmonary diseases. Many of these modulators have been shown to be efficacious in animal models of disease. In addition, ion channels have been successful drug targets, with modulators of ion flux representing up to 17% of world pharmaceutical sales. About the Pain Therapeutics Market Over 50 million people suffer from inflammatory pain, including osteoarthritis osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease Most common joint disorder, afflicting over 80% of those who reach age 70. It does not involve excessive inflammation and may have no symptoms, especially at first. and rheumatoid arthritis. Millions more suffer from post-operative, back and diabetic neuropathic pain. The total worldwide market for all pain indications is estimated to be $20 billion. About Hydra Biosciences Hydra Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, develops novel drugs to treat pain, inflammation, cardiovascular and other diseases using its expertise in novel ion channels. Hydra's proprietary high throughput screening platforms enable the company to identify and develop drug candidates that address significant unmet medical needs. More information about Hydra Biosciences is available at: www.hydrabiosciences.com. |
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