Almac Discovery and Debiopharm International SA, a Switzerland based speciality pharma company, have entered a collaboration for the development of Almac’s Wee-1 kinase inhibitor program.
 
Almac Discovery has granted exclusive global rights to its Wee-1 patent families and related subject matter expertise to Debiopharm. Almac is eligible to receive an upfront payment and development and commercial milestones, as well as royalties from Debiopharm.
 
The Wee-1 kinase is a key regulator of a number of cell cycle checkpoints and inhibition of Wee1 can force arrested cells through the cell cycle leading to cell death. The Wee-1 inhibitors exhibit drug-like properties, high potency, excellent selectivity and demonstrate potent anti-proliferative activity in vitro and in vivo, both as single agents and in combination with genotoxics, in several cancer models.
 
“We are thrilled to pursue the outstanding work of Almac Discovery on this promising target.” said Dr. Bertrand Ducrey, chief executive officer of Debiopharm. “Almac Discovery’s compelling expertise in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery is very complementary with Debiopharm business model and we look forward to developing these compounds to offer an innovative treatment for patients with high medical need.”
 
Dr. Stephen Barr, managing director and president, Almac Discovery said, “We are extremely pleased to announce this agreement with Debiopharm who have proven expertise and an impressive track record of developing drug candidates. The professionalism, dedication and commitment of their team is aligned perfectly with our own core values making them the number one choice to develop our Wee-1 inhibitor. Agreements of this nature enable both companies to continue to strive to improve human health worldwide and we look forward to working with them.” Almac Discovery and Debiopharm International SA, a Switzerland based speciality pharma company, have entered a collaboration for the development of Almac’s Wee-1 kinase inhibitor program.