Debiopharm signs license agreement for development of ZT-1

Swiss drug development company Debiopharm has exercised its option right by signing a license agreement with the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) in China for the development of ZT-1, a novel cholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

ZT-1 is a huperzine A (hup A) derivative with a dual pharmacological mechanism of action, and offers potentially neuroprotective properties on top of its cholinergic effects, which could reduce the progression of the disease.

During the development phase, SIMM will supply Debiopharm with predefined amounts of hup A, the starting material of ZT-1. Debiopharm has the exclusive license to develop and commercialise ZT-1 worldwide, although SIMM retains the rights to China. In addition, Debiopharm has put in place strong procurement and back-up strategies to ensure the commercial supply of ZT-1.

Debiopharm started the development of ZT-1 in 2000 and is currently conducting clinical phase II studies with the oral once daily formulation. To date, Debiopharm has conducted some 60 ongoing preclinical studies and seven phase I/phase II clinical studies on ZT-1. It is in the process of seeking co-development and commercial partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.

'With the encouraging results on ZT-1 so far, we are confident that there is a place for this molecule for the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease,' said Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and ceo of Debiopharm. 'In addition to the oral daily formulation, market research has also shown that clinicians are prepared to administer an injectable sustained release form of ZT-1.'