Crompton Corporation and Biosyn Inc announced the signing of a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement for Biosyn to develop Crompton's UC 781 compound as a topical microbicide targeted against the AIDS virus.

"There is a compelling need for an effective topical defense against HIV transmission and sexually-transmitted diseases," said Anne-Marie Corner, president and chief executive officer of Biosyn Inc. "Although early in its testing, UC 781 shows potent anti-viral activity compared with other NNRTIs (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors), and in laboratory experiments effectively suppresses replication of HIV. Biosyn's strategy is to build a portfolio of microbicide candidates that have different modes of action, and UC781 is clearly the best NNRTI for this application. In addition, the potential exists to couple UC 781 with our existing SAVVY product and create a microbicide that is effective against multiple sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia and gonorrhea."

"We believe that Biosyn, with its leadership position in the microbicide arena, is the best partner to head the development and commercialization of this compound," said Edward L. Hagen, senior vice president, strategy and development, for Crompton Corporation. "Our alliance with Biosyn enables Crompton to leverage its pipeline of product candidates by utilizing development and marketing expertise outside our core businesses."