Schering-Plough exercises option to commercialize Human Genome Sciences discovery
Novel interferon has potential application in autoimmune and infectious diseases and cancer
Human Genome Sciences Inc. (HGSI; Rockville, MD) announced that Schering-Plough Corp. has exercised a product option right to develop and commercialize a novel type of interferon discovered by HGS. This novel protein has potential therapeutic applications in autoimmunite and infectious diseases and cancer.
In July 1996, HGS granted an option to Schering-Plough for the development and commercialization of two of HGS' therapeutic proteins as part of a collaboration and license agreement. As Schering-Plough develops and commercializes this outlicensed protein, HGS will be entitled to receive clinical development milestones and royalties. This announcement marks the first time that HGS has out-licensed one of the many protein candidates generated by its discovery efforts.
"We are delighted that Schering-Plough has selected one of HGS' many important discoveries for development and commercialization. We view this as yet another validation of the gene-based drug discovery paradigm pioneered by Human Genome Sciences," said William A. Haseltine, chairman and CEO of Human Genome Sciences. "With so many interesting pre-clinical candidates at HGS, we are pleased to share some of these opportunities with good companies and good partners."
Schering-Plough spokesman Robert Consalvo said Monday it is too early in the development process to identify the particular diseases or cancers the potential drug would treat.
"We don't want to give people the impression a product is imminent," he said. "We're still years and years away, and that's only if it passes all the trials."
HGS will receive a percentage of royalties from sales of the drug if it is successfully developed, HGS spokeswoman Kate de Santis said. In addition, Schering-Plough has agreed to make payments at specific, established milestones in the developmental process, which generally means when a product passes certain trials.
Schering-Plough already has one drug on the market based on interferons. Known as Intron A, it is an injectable prescription drug used to treat hepatitis B and C and a number of different cancers, Consalvo said.
Schering-Plough also makes Claritin, an antihistamine and the company's top product; Coppertone; and Afrin nasal sprays. The company also makes antibiotics, vaccines, and other animal health products.
Human Genome Sciences, founded in 1992, is a pharmaceutical company specializing in using genomics to discover and develop drugs that use the human body's natural substances—genes, proteins and antibodies—to treat diseases.
For more information: Arthur M. Mandell, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Business Development, Human Genome Sciences, 9410 Key West Ave., Rockville, MD 20850-3338. Tel: 301-309-8504. Fax: 301-309-8512.
Edited by Laura DeFrancesco
Managing Editor, Bioresearch Online
ldefrancesco@bioresearchonline.com
Source: Human Genome Sciences Inc.