Thios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the signing of a licensing agreement with Wyeth granting Thios exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand 1 (PSGL-1), including the compound rPSGL-Ig, a recombinant form of the human PSGL-1 glycoprotein. Thios has renamed the rPSGL-Ig compound TS1.
"This agreement provides an important strategic opportunity for Thios to move quickly into clinical trials with a sulfated compoundtherapeutic. rPSGL-Ig TS1 has an outstanding safety profile with over 500 patients treated safely, complements our existing pipeline of potential products and enhances our leadership position in the sulfation field," said Bruce Hironaka, president and CEO of Thios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We intend to develop rPSGL-Ig, which we have renamed TS1,TS1 for a variety of indications, initially targeting the treatment of acute crisis in sickle cell disease and the prevention of delayed graft function following kidney transplantation. Our goal is to enter the clinic in both of these indications by year end."
Under the terms of the agreement, Thios obtains a broad, exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize rPSGL-IgTS1. In return, Thios will pay Wyeth a licensing fee as well as milestone payments including an equity component and royalties based on potential product sales. Specific fFinancial terms were not disclosed.
rPSGL-IgTS1 is a recombinant version of the human P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand 1 (PSGL-1) glycoprotein, linked to the Fc portion of a human antibody. PSGL-1 extends from the surface of white blood cells or, called leukocytes, and helps the cells bind to the blood vessel wall in a process known as cell adhesion. PSGL-1 plays a critical role in the migration of these cells from the blood stream to the site of tissue damage and inflammation. This is a critical essential process in helping the body heal itself after an injury.
Importantly, in some instances this migration of leukocytes can be harmful. For example, in ischemia/reperfusion injury and vaso-occlusion, a key factor in delayed graft function following kidney transplantation and acute sickle cell disease crises, respectively transplant rejection, stroke and heart attack, the leukocytes that attach to the damaged blood vessels intensify local inflammation that causes additional tissue damage. rPSGL-IgTS1 protects the site of tissue damage by preventing leukocytes and platelets from adhering and causing inappropriate inflammation and/ or thrombosis. rPSGL-IgTS1 may also have use in a number of other applications including other solid organ transplantations, deep vein thrombosis and arterial vascular diseases, including stroke.