Exelixis, Inc. has signed an extension of its research collaboration with
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. to develop and commercialize therapies targeted against the Liver X Receptor (LXR), a hormone receptor associated with a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
The collaboration, established in January 2005 for a period of two years, has been extended through January 2009. BMS also has retained the option to further extend the research collaboration an additional year. Under the terms of the new agreement, Exelixis will receive $7.5 million of additional research funding.
"Exelixis and BMS have a history of working efficiently and productively together, and we have maintained this positive dynamic in our LXR collaboration," said Michael Morrissey, Ph.D., president of R&D at Exelixis. "In less than two years, we have made substantial progress in identifying and optimizing compounds that activate LXR, potentially providing new treatments for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, which are diseases with increasing impact."
Under the terms of the collaboration, the two companies will identify drug candidates that are ready for IND application-enabling studies. BMS will then undertake further preclinical development and has responsibility for clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing and sales/marketing activities.
Bioxel Pharma, Inc. has won its largest paclitaxel order—valued at about $800,000—from a multinational pharmaceutical company that is currently completing Phase III trials for a paclitaxel-based product. Paclitaxel deliveries under the order will be completed in October 2007, with repeat orders expected in the coming months.
Bioxel's paclitaxel will be incorporated in the client's NDA, allowing its use in commercial manufacturing and distribution once the product gains marketing approval. Bioxel estimates that, for its primary indication in the U.S. market, paclitaxel volume requirements could exceed 50 kg annually. Sales and volumes for this client are expected to begin in 2008, in preparation for commercial launch of its NDA product.
"This was a very important win for Bioxel on many levels," said Pascal Delmas, president and chief executive officer of Bioxel Pharma. "This represents repeat business with a customer that has used our paclitaxel product in its previous clinical development. It validates the quality and consistency of our product and the faith that our customers have in Bioxel's ability to deliver on an ongoing commercial basis. Bioxel has proven that it can compete in this market and differentiate itself by offering the highest quality paclitaxel API together with superior customer and regulatory services." Mr. Delmas added, "We have implemented an aggressive marketing push over the past 18 months and this has begun to pay off with substantial orders. We remain committed to the growth of our paclitaxel franchise through customer diversification in both generic and next generation products, as well as through steady geographic expansion."
DSM Pharmaceutical Products has made several management appointments.
Mr. Leendert Staal, currently business group director DSM Pharmaceutical Products, will be appointed president of DSM Nutritional Products, reporting to
Stephan Tanda, member of the managing board of DSM.
Mr. Bob Hartmayer will succeed Mr. Staal as business group director, president and chief executive officer of DSM Pharmaceutical Products, reporting to
Jan Zuidam, also a member of the managing board. Mr. Hartmayer is currently business group director DSM Elastomers.
Also, the following management appointments will take effect on October 1, 2007:
Mr. Luca Mantovani, vice president citric acid, DSM Nutritional Products, will be appointed business unit director, president DSM Pharma Chemicals;
Mr. Terry Novak, chief marketing officer DSM Pharmaceuticals & Biologics, will be appointed business unit director, president DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;
Ms. Karen King, senior vice president strategic business development, will be appointed business unit director, president DSM Biologics;
Mr. Hans Engels, chief operating officer DSM Pharmaceuticals & Biologics will be appointed chief operating officer, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Business Group. Mr. Mantovani, Mr. Novak, Ms. King, and Mr. Engels, will report to Mr. Hartmayer.
Also,
Mr. Stephen Lijoi, vice president of operations in Greenville, will be appointed vice president and site director for DSM Pharmaceuticals Greenville, NC site reporting to Mr. Novak.
Magazine
