Alteon Inc has entered into an agreement with HemoMax, LLC, for the development of a novel tissue perfusion technology for enhanced blood circulation. The technology, also called HemoMax, was developed at the McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development at the University of Pittsburgh, and has recently been licensed to HemoMax, LLC, so that formal preclinical development programs can be initiated.

The HemoMax technology is focused on the restoration or enhancement of impaired microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, an area where existing therapies have had only limited results. Impaired microcirculation and low tissue perfusion have been known to occur as a result of a variety of conditions, including hemorrhage, severe trauma, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, acute myocardial infarction, acute transient cerebral ischemic attack, sickle cell disease and atherosclerosis.

Under the agreement, HemoMax, LLC will fund the preclinical development of compounds arising from the technology, and Alteon will directly manage these development programs. HemoMax has granted Alteon an exclusive right of first refusal to acquire the HemoMax technology. In addition, Alteon will receive 15 percent ownership of HemoMax, LLC. "We are pleased to be involved in the preclinical development of this exciting new technology, because it directly complements Alteon's cardiovascular activities with ALT-711," said Kenneth I. Moch, president and CEO of Alteon. "The data which has been generated thus far indicates that the HemoMax technology may have broad clinical potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases."