Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, a fully integrated, global biotech focused on small molecule and peptide drug discovery and development from target identification and validation to pre-IND drug candidates in oncology, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases, has achieved the second milestone in their on-going drug discovery collaboration with Orion Corporation, Finland.

Orion and Aurigene entered into collaboration in April, 2007, on a novel oncology target. The programme, within the planned timelines, has reached the lead nomination phase, and is now entering into further pre-clinical development and lead optimization stage.

According to Dr Murali Ramachandra, vice president, pre-clinical biology, Aurigene, this is a significant achievement on a novel oncology programme. The project has reached the animal proof-of-concept stage. Aurigene's scientists have an excellent and participative collaboration with the Orion team. The synergies between the groups has really facilitated a very high-quality of research in this programme".

"The collaboration's objectives, which include scientific and strategic, are well met, as envisaged at the time of signing the agreement," stated CSN Murthy, CEO, Aurigene.

"We have witnessed outstanding commitment and exchange of information between the Aurigene and Orion research teams. Aurigene's scientists together with their powerful discovery technology have established a foundation for success also for the next phase in the project, informed Dr Pekka Kallio, head of Nonclinical Urology and Oncology Research, Orion.

Orion is a European pharmaceutical and diagnostics company which emphasises the development of innovative medicinal treatments and diagnostic tests for global markets. The company develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals for humans and animals, active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as diagnostic tests. Orion's clientele consists mainly of healthcare service providers and professionals. The Group's net sales in 2007 were EUR 683.6 million and in the end of 2007 there were about 3,170 employees working for the Group. Orion's stocks are listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki.

Established in Bangalore, India, in 2002, Aurigene is a drug discovery biotech company with a proven track record of successful partnerships with big and medium-sized pharma and biotech companies globally.