Development agreement
Biovitrum entered an agreement with Synphora for JB991 for the treatment of the skin disease psoriasis, and other conditions.
JB991 is a derivative of prostaglandin, which plays an important role in the control of inflammation. The compound is currently in Phase I development.
Under the terms of the agreement Biovitrum will co-finance Uppsala-based Synphora's ongoing study and, if that study is successful, contribute SEK5 million to the Phase II trial. In return, after Phase IIa trials are completed Biovitrum will be entitled to acquire the project according to predetermined terms.
"Inflammation is one of Biovitrum's core therapy areas and we are currently developing other projects targeting skin conditions. This project also fits our strategy of focussing on therapies where the unmet medical need is large," says Anders Ullman, Biovitrum’s Senior Vice President R&D.
Psoriasis is an inherited skin disease characterised by plaques of inflamed and thickened skin. About 1 to 2 per cent of the population suffers from this chronic condition.
The founders of Synphora, Johan Stjernschantz, Bahram Resul and Iréne Aspman, were previously employed by Pharmacia-Upjohn where they held key positions in the development of Xalatan, the first prostaglandin analogue developed for glaucoma treatment.
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