Aurigene's Collaboration Programs with Endo Pharmaceuticals Reach Important Milestones

BRIDGEWATER, New Jersey, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Aurigene and Endo entered into collaboration in 2009, for multiple integrated drug discovery programs in the areas of Inflammation and Oncology.

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In one of the programs, a novel selective dual kinase inhibitor, targeting both the antigen receptor signalling and cytokine signalling pathways involved in immune regulation for inflammatory disorders, has been chosen for IND-enabling toxicology studies by Endo.

In a second program, targeting two different growth factor signalling pathways in oncology, a novel class of compounds is being developed, and is in the late lead optimization phase. This program has the potential to deliver multiple candidates for clinical development, targeting several unmet needs for solid tumors.

"We are pleased to be working with a really accomplished and ambitious team at Endo, and these collaborative efforts have enabled us to aim at delivering unique clinical candidates with a profile that is potentially significantly differentiated in the clinic", remarked Dr. Murali Ramachandra, Sr Vice President, Pre-clinical Biology, Aurigene.

"The programs being carried out at Aurigene are an integral part of Endo's strategy to discover novel drug candidates that improve patient outcomes. We are excited about the possibility for the current programs to be important additions to our development pipeline" commented Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Senior Vice President of Drug Discovery and Early Development at Endo.

About Aurigene

Aurigene is a Biotech focussed on building a robust pipeline of small molecule and peptide therapeutics in the exciting areas of Cancer Metabolism, Epigenetics and the TH17 pathway. Aurigene's most advanced programs in its pipeline include several compounds expected to be in clinical development over the next few months, for oncology, inflammation and anti-infective indications. These are (a) PD-1 peptide therapeutics for oncology and antibacterial indications; (b) A novel protease inhibitor for Osteo Arthritis (DMOAD) and pain alleviation; (c) A differentiated FabI inhibitor with potential for IV/ oral switch, for MRSA.

In addition, Aurigene works with Pharma companies on early stage collaborations in integrated discovery partnerships. Aurigene, with over 500 scientists in its Indian and Malaysian laboratories, has collaborated with 6 of the top 10 pharma companies, in addition to partnerships with mid-sized pharma companies and biotechs in the US and Europe.

For more information on Aurigene's collaboration business model, and its pipeline, please visit the company's website at http://www.aurigene.com.

Media Contacts:
Mark Ravera, Head of Business Development, USA
Rajshree KT +91-40-4465-7777
Head Strategic Alliances, India
pr@aurigene.com

SOURCE Aurigene