Modern Biosciences, Janssen Partner On Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
By Cyndi Root
Modern Biosciences (MBS) has partnered with Janssen Biotech on the development of new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The companies announced the deal in a press release, stating that the R&D alliance with the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre in London, will investigate MBS’ novel bone-protective compounds with the goal of developing new compounds. The lead candidate is in pre-clinical development and is expected to enter Phase 1 clinical studies in 2015. Sam Williams, CEO of MBS, said, “MBS’ compounds have unique characteristics compared to existing treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, and we believe Janssen is an ideal partner with which to take the molecules forward.”
MBS and Janssen Agreement
Mr. Williams stated that the deal with Janssen aligns with MBS’ strategy, which is to take early-stage assets and advance them into the licensing stage. Under the terms of the agreement between MBS and Janssen, the latter will provide an upfront payment and milestone payments up to £176 million ($275 million), and MBS will receive royalties on sales.
MBS Compounds
In 2007, MBS licensed its bone-protection program from OsteoRX, a spin-out from the University of Aberdeen. In disease models, the orally available small molecules are effective in preventing rheumatoid arthritis via a molecular mechanism that reduces inflammation and bone damage. The agents also show promise in reversing bone damage. Recently, Innovate UK and BioMedical Catalyst (BMC) awarded MBS £2.4 million ($3.7 million) for Phase 1 trials of the compounds. MBS is to share the revenue from Janssen with OsteoRX and Aberdeen.
About Modern Biosciences
Modern Biosciences is headquartered in London and its major shareholder is the IP Group, a London Stock Exchange listed company. MBS engages in project development, in-licensing, and marketing. Developing the bone compounds and licensing them to Janssen is part of its business model. To maximize the value of the assets, MBS assembles a data package for the licensee, including proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-principle human studies.
Janssen RA Activities
Janssen has an established RA division. Its lead medication Remicade (infliximab) is also prescribed for other conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In patients with moderately to severely active RA, the agent is used in combination with methotrexate, reducing the symptoms and stopping joint damage.