SynCo Bio Partners entered a strategic partnership with Versartis, Inc. to produce Versartis’ lead drug candidate VRS-859, a GLP-1 analog for monthly dosing to treat type 2 diabetes. SynCo will further develop the existing production process for VRS-859 and optimize the manufacturing process to increase yields for cGMP production.

“Versartis selected SynCo because of its extensive pharmaceutical manufacturing experience and its ability to deliver bulk and final product for clinical trials and ultimately, for commercialization,” said Jeffrey L. Cleland, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Versartis. “We expect SynCo to ensure our goal of initiating Phase 1 clinical trials for VRS-859 in the first half of 2010. SynCo will also become our preferred manufacturing partner for future Versartis products based on the XTEN technology, which have similar production processes.”

Pierre Warffemius, SynCo Bio Partners chief executive officer commented, “We are delighted that SynCo has been chosen to develop and manufacture Versartis’ lead compound VRS-859. As Versartis looks to advance its novel product portfolio through clinical trials, we look forward to a long and successful collaboration with this exciting new company.”

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