Member Article

Redx strikes skin cancer deal with French pharma giant

North West based Redx Pharma and French firm Pierre Fabre Laboratories have signed a collaboration and option agreement in cancer research.

The deal will see Redx and Pierre Fabre Research Institute (IRPF) work together on the evaluation and development of a small molecule program for an undisclosed oncology target. Following the first stage of the collaboration, IRPF will have the option to enter into exclusive negotiations to license global rights for the program in selected cancer indications.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed but Redx Pharma chief executive Neil Murray described the deal as ‘a highly significant milestone’ in the company’s development.

The Redx Pharma group is focused on early stage drug discovery and development programmes at sites in Liverpool (Redx Oncology) and at Alderley Park, Cheshire (Redx Anti-Infectives).

Pierre Fabre, the second largest French pharmaceutical company, offers world-class expertise in both oncology and dermatology.

Neil Murray, chief executive, Redx Pharma said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Pierre Fabre, which represents the first major transaction for our anti-cancer subsidiary Redx Oncology.

“The collaboration demonstrates the potential of our oncology pipeline to deliver novel cancer therapeutics which all concerned hope will generate significant patient benefits. We look forward to benefitting from Pierre Fabre’s outstanding capabilities in this area and developing a long and successful partnership.”

He added: “It’s the most important deal we have completed to date and our first international research and development collaboration. Pierre Fabre has world class expertise in cancer and dermatology.

“The deal validates our commercial model of providing a pipeline of exciting new drugs to the pharmaceutical industry. Building on this real breakthrough for our business we have a number of further deals under negotiation with other partners.”

Christian Bailly, Head of Research at Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals, said: “We are looking forward to working with Redx Pharma as part of our commitment to external innovation to complete our cutting-edge R&D capabilities.

“This collaboration with Redx Oncology, a dynamic and visionary biotech company, marks an additional milestone in our partnering research strategy. Combining our capabilities with Redx researchers will accelerate our drug discovery process.”

“Capitalizing on our proven scientific expertise in oncology, skin cancers represent one of the key axis of our R&D efforts in dermatology”, added Dr Jean-Jacques Voisard, General Manager of Pierre Fabre Dermatologie, the division in charge of Pierre Fabre’s dermatology product portfolio.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .