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Modern Biosciences plc, the drug development company, and the University of Aberdeen (“Aberdeen” or the “University”) announce that they have signed an exclusive worldwide licence agreement to develop new, oral, disease-modifying small molecule treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive and disabling auto-immune disease causing inflammation of the joints. RA affects approximately 165 million people, or one percent of the worldwide population. The global market for RA treatments is estimated to be $16 billion.

The novel compounds in-licensed by Modern Biosciences represent an alternative to current anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) therapies for RA. Anti-TNF drugs have proven to be highly effective in modulating inflammation and represent a multi-billion dollar market but have to be administered either by intravenous infusion or sub-cutaneous 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. They 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 in RA patients 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.

Dr Sam Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Modern Biosciences, said: “Our agreement with the University of Aberdeen is a perfect example of how Modern Biosciences is working with premier league research institutions to create value for their projects by applying our clinical development and project management expertise through to the stage of proof-of-concept studies in man. We look forward to working with the University in the years ahead.”

Dr Liz Rattray, Director, Research and Innovation Services at the University of Aberdeen, added: “The University of Aberdeen has supported this drug discovery project along with Scottish Enterprise and North East of Scotland Technology Fund as part of our knowledge transfer strategy to support projects which show industrial and clinical potential. It is therefore tremendous for us to be announcing this licensing and collaboration deal with Modern Biosciences, which recognises the quality of the research and knowledge transfer, and builds on the continuing success of the University of Aberdeen in life sciences.”

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.

For further information, please contact:

Modern Biosciences  
Dr Sam Williams, CEO 020 7002 1529
   
Press Enquiries for Modern Biosciences  
The Hogarth Partnership 020 7357 9477
Melanie Toyne-Sewell / Sarah MacLeod  
   
The University of Aberdeen  
Office of External Affairs 01224 273174

Notes for Editors

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive and disabling auto-immune disease affecting 165 million people worldwide, or one per cent of the global population. It is an incredibly painful condition, can cause severe disability and ultimately affects a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks. The disease can progress very rapidly causing swelling and damaging cartilage and bone around the joints. Any joint may be affected but it is commonly the hands, feet and wrists that are involved. It is a systemic disease which means that it can affect the whole body and internal organs such as the lungs, heart and eyes.

About Modern Biosciences

Modern Biosciences is a drug development company which sources late-stage discovery projects from academia and start-up companies, conducts early proof-of-principle clinical studies and out-licenses the resulting programmes to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The Company has three projects in development; two in the field of cancer and one in inflammation.

For more information, please visit our website at www.modernbiosciences.com

About The University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is a centre of excellence for life sciences. Translational research is a particular strength for the University because its health campus is based on one of the largest teaching hospital sites in Europe. Lately the University has made major strategic investments to consolidate its position as one of the world’s key centres for R&D in life sciences and medical research. One of the UK’s most progressive fundraising higher education institutions, Aberdeen has recently recruited more than 50 senior academic leaders from institutions all over the world.