Imbrium Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and operating subsidiary of Purdue Pharma, and Tetragenetics, a biotech developing novel therapeutics for pain indications and autoimmune diseases, have formed a research and development collaboration to use TetraGenetics’ antibody discovery technology platform, TetraExpress, in the discovery and development of non-opioid biologic therapies for the treatment of chronic pain.
 
Imbrium will leverage TetraGenetics’ TetraExpress system to advance monoclonal antibodies that target specific ion channels that are scientifically important in the modulation of pain sensation. The goal of this collaborative effort is to bring to market long-acting, non-opioid therapeutics that can treat a variety of pain conditions.
 
“We are encouraged by the potential of TetraGenetics’ technology platform to speed the development of transformative therapies that could have a positive impact in the management of chronic pain,” said Paul Medeiros, president, Imbrium Therapeutics. “Given the high prevalence of chronic pain in the US,1 we are excited about progressing our partnership with the goal of bringing forward new, safe, and effective treatment alternatives. This opportunity underscores our mission to provide non-opioid pain medicines for patients in need.”
 
Doug Kahn, chairman and chief executive officer, TetraGenetics, said, “Ion channel antibody discovery holds great promise for the treatment of chronic pain, and we are pleased to have the resources and support of Imbrium to advance this important program. During the course of our collaboration, we expect to bring new antibody therapeutics to investigational new drug application (IND) readiness so Imbrium can advance them through clinical trials.”