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June 28, 2005
Cougar Biotechnology Licenses Rights to Seocalcitol from LEO Pharma
Los Angeles, CA, June 28, 2005 - Cougar Biotechnology, Inc, a privately held biotechnology company, today announced that it has licensed the worldwide, exclusive rights to seocalcitol (EB1089) from LEO Pharma A/S (Ballerup, Denmark). Seocalcitol (EB1089) is a synthetic analog of vitamin D (1 ,25(OH2)D3) that has been clinically tested in a number of different cancer indications.
The results of in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that vitamin D and analogs of vitamin D have anticancer activity in a wide range of tumor types. The results of preclinical studies have shown that seocalcitol (EB1089) is 50-200 times more potent than 1 ,25(OH2)D3 with respect to regulation of cell growth and differentiation in in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Importantly, because seocalcitol has shown reduced calcemic activity compared to 1 ,25(OH2)D3, this increase in antitumor activity is seen without inducing unacceptable levels of hypercalcemia.
"Vitamin D analogs represent an emerging class of potentially promising drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer" said Dr. Arie Belldegrun, MD, FACS, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cougar Biotechnology. "Based on the preclinical and clinical studies that have been completed with seocalcitol (EB1089), we believe that the drug may represent a potentially novel treatment option for patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer."
"We are pleased to be able to complete this licensing agreement with LEO Pharma" said Alan H. Auerbach, chief executive officer and president of Cougar Biotechnology. "Seocalcitol (EB1089) is the third drug that Cougar has in-licensed since the company was founded approximately two years ago. We view it as an important addition to Cougar's pipeline and as an intriguing new potential treatment for prostate cancer."
Under the terms of the licensing agreement, LEO Pharma received an upfront payment and will receive milestone payments as seocalcitol progresses through clinical development as well as a royalty on sales. Detailed financial terms were not disclosed.
About Cougar Biotechnology
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based private biotechnology company established to in-license and develop clinical stage drugs, with a specific focus on the field of oncology. Cougar's oncology portfolio includes CB7630, which has completed Phase I clinical trials in prostate cancer and CB3304 which is currently being tested in a Phase I trial in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Further information about Cougar Biotechnology can be found at www.cougarbiotechnology.com.
About LEO Pharma A/S
LEO Pharma A/S is a research based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company among the world's leading players in topical dermatology and parenteral treatment of thrombotic disorders. The foundation owned company is headquartered in Denmark, markets its products in 90 countries and employs 3,300 people in 40 countries. Further information about LEO Pharma can be found at www.leo-pharma.com.
Contact
Alan H. Auerbach
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.
+1 310 443 4209
ahauerbach@cougarbiotechnology.com
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Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.
10990 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 943-8040 Main
(310) 943-8059 Fax |
