Mutational analyses characterise the presence or absence of existing or novel cancer-relevant mutations. Bayer will use this information to improve patient stratification in clinical trials and quicken development of oncology diagnostics and therapeutics.
The expanded agreement “is an important step to providing a more comprehensive analysis to Bayer, that may result in improved selection of patients who will benefit the most from specific drug candidates”, said Joseph Limber, president and CEO Prometheus.
An initial non-exclusive collaboration agreement focused on Prometheus’ oncology diagnostic CEER platform was formed In March. CEER measures the expression and activation of specific cancer pathways possessing high sensitivity and specificity using tissue or blood samples.
Selection and evaluation of drug efficacy can be improved using this information, says Prometheus. Using information generated from the mutational analyses in conjunction with data from CEER will improve patient selection and stratification.
Prometheus will be compensated based on the number and complexity of mutational analyses it performs for Bayer. The earlier deal is worth up to $160m (€121m) in upfront and milestone payments if all drug candidates are successfully developed and obtain regulatory approval.
AstraZeneca deal extended
Prometheus and AstraZeneca have extended their Entocort EC (budesonide) Capsules deal in the US until December 31 2011. AstraZeneca will continue to be responsible for all Entocort-related production, clinical and regulatory processes and supply the product to Prometheus.
Entocort, a treatment for Crohn’s disease, launched in 2001 and Prometheus handles US distribution under an exclusive six-year deal it inked with AstraZeneca. The deal was due to end on December 31 2010 but has been extended by 12 months.