Modern Biosciences and Aberdeen University to develop novel RA drug

UK drug development company Modern Biosciences and the University of Aberdeen have signed an exclusive worldwide licence agreement to develop new, oral, disease-modifying small molecule treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

The novel compounds in-licensed by Modern Biosciences represent an alternative to current anti-TNF therapies. Anti-TNF drugs for RA have proven to be highly effective in modulating inflammation but have to be administered either by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. In contrast, the Aberdeen compounds can be taken orally.

They also have several other features that make them particularly promising for the treatment of RA. The new compounds are:

• inhibitors of multiple signalling pathways associated with inflammation, including the TNF pathway i.e. they may have a broader impact on disease than existing drugs;
• disease modifying anti-arthritic drugs (DMARDs) i.e. they alter the progression of disease rather than merely masking the symptoms;
• non-steroidal i.e. they lack the side effects associated with steroids.

Under the terms of the agreement, the University will grant an exclusive worldwide licence to Modern Biosciences for the development of its compounds for the treatment of RA, other inflammatory conditions and osteoporosis. Modern Biosciences will fund and manage the development programme through to proof-of-concept studies in man and subsequently out-license the programme to the pharmaceutical industry. Revenues generated through the commercialisation of any of the programmes will be shared by Modern Biosciences and the University.

Modern Biosciences expects the first lead compound to be in clinical trials within two years. These studies will include the monitoring of several biomarkers that are indicators of disease progression and should provide early proof-of-concept data.

Scientists at Aberdeen University have developed this novel group of compounds in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. They have had backing from the University of Aberdeen as well as from Scottish Enterprise's Proof of Concept Fund.