Miikana Therapeutics, Inc. has announced an exclusive worldwide license to Roche's compound, MKC-1. This novel, orally active, anti-cancer agent has demonstrated activity against breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer in phase II clinical trials.

Under the terms of the agreement, Miikana receives an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize MKC-1. In addition to an equity stake in Miikana, Roche will receive undisclosed upfront, milestone and royalty payments.

"The acquisition of MKC-1 accelerates the evolution of Miikana into a clinical-stage oncology company in less than two years, and is in line with our business strategy of building a strong portfolio of targeted, novel, mechanism-based anti-cancer agents through the integration of internal discovery and in-licensing efforts," said Dinesh V. Patel, president & chief operating officer of Miikana Therapeutics, Inc.

"MKC-1 has been tested in over 250 patients, with demonstrated anti-tumour activity in advanced, refractory breast and non-small cell lung cancer patients. Roche has done extensive work on this molecule and we plan to initiate additional phase II trials by the end of 2005," said S. Gail Eckhardt, co-founder and clinical oncology advisor of Miikana.

MKC-1 is an orally-active, novel, small molecule, cell cycle inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action. Specifically, MKC-1 arrests cellular mitosis by inhibiting a novel intracellular target important in cellular trafficking that has been shown to be involved in cell division. In preclinical studies, MKC-1 demonstrated impressive activity in a broad range of tumour models.