There is an urgent need to develop novel classes of antibiotics to counter the rise of resistant bacterial pathogens. Modern antibacterial drug discovery is focused on the identification and validation of novel protein targets that may have a suitable therapeutic index.
In combination with assays for function, the advent of microbial genomics has been invaluable in identifying novel antibacterial drug targets.
Ligand-directed drug discovery has the distinct advantage of having a simultaneous analysis of both the importance of a target in the disease process and its amenability to functional modulation by small molecules.
Under the terms of the agreement, Isogenica will use its CIS display technology to select peptide ligands to an undisclosed target to be provided by UCB.
UCB will then have an option to advance into clinical development any product that contains a peptide ligand discovered during the collaboration. Further details of the research and licence option agreement were not disclosed.
"We look forward to building a strong and fruitful relationship with UCB and in assisting them with their therapeutic discovery activities," said Dr. Kevin FitzGerald, Isogenica's CEO.
"We believe that peptides, and especially those discovered and matured for enhanced in vivo performance using CIS display technology, represent a very rich source of compounds for therapeutic and other in vivo applications."
Isogenica's CIS display technology provides a novel and effective means of rapidly identifying peptides that bind with high affinity and specificity to any given molecular target. The technology can also be used for enhancing the in vivo performance of peptide therapeutic and diagnostic products.
"As a biopharmaceutical leader, UCB is committed to continuously enhancing its drug development," commented Neil Weir, Vice President, Research, UCB.
"UCB is looking forward to working in close collaboration with Isogenica. The CIS display technology will provide UCB with a valuable source of novel peptides which have been selected to meet specific criteria for in vivo applications."