Pfizer enters VR1 deal with Renovis
agreement with Renovis to research, develop and commercialise small
molecules that target a receptor, which generates signals for
certain types of pain.
The collaboration will also focus on treatments for urinary incontinence, and other diseases and disorders, targeting the vanilloid receptor, VR1.
Key mediators of pain signalling are ion channels, which regulate the flow of different ions (charged atoms) between the inside and outside of neurons. The transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels constitute a large and diverse family, several of which are thought to mediate pain signalling and are attractive targets for drug discovery. The best known of these is the vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1).
A drug that blocks VR1, preventing it from activating nerve cell signalling, could provide a non-narcotic analgesic and would also be useful for treating non-neurological conditions such as inflammatory bowel disorders and asthma.
The VR1 receptor is an ion channel protein that mediates and influences cell signalling, including the nerve cell signalling that generates some types of pain. Inhibitors of VR1 are predicted to be useful in the treatment of inflammation, various pain conditions, and a number of other disorders.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will combine VR1 research and development including all existing VR1 antagonists. Pfizer will have exclusive worldwide rights to commercialise products that result from the collaboration.
Pfizer has also agreed to fund all aspects of research and preclinical efforts to the tune of $7 million (€5.7 million) as well as a $10 million (€8.1 million) license fee payable to Renovis. Pfizer also has the option to extend the agreement for up to two additional years subject to additional funding requirements.
"Safe and effective antagonists of VR1 have the potential to address major medical needs in multiple therapeutic areas," commented Corey Goodman, CEO of Renovis.
Renovis will be eligible to receive research, development, and approval with commercialisation milestones resulting in total potential payments to Renovis through successful achievement of research development and commercialisation milestones for each product resulting from the collaboration of greater than $170 million.
Upon commercialisation of a product resulting from the collaboration, Renovis would be entitled to receive royalties on net sales by Pfizer.
