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Roche, Upsher-Smith Laboratories sign license deal to develop novel VAP-1 inhibitor

Roche and Upsher-Smith Laboratories have signed a license agreement to further develop a novel, oral small molecule inhibitor of Vascular Adhesion Protein 1 (VAP-1).

VAP-1 is a cell-adhesion molecule that may be effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The VAP-1 inhibitor is currently in phase II clinical development.

The deal grant Roche a global exclusive license for the development and commercialization of the compound.

Under a novel collaboration model, Roche and Upsher-Smith’s UK subsidiary Proximagen will carry out additional phase II trials to further define the VAP-1 inhibitor’s therapeutic potential.

Roche will assume responsibility for late stage development and global commercialization based on the data from the trials.

Proximagen will be entitled to receive an upfront payment, along with downstream development, regulatory and sales milestones.

The company will also secure tiered royalties on net sales of a potential future product featuring the molecule.

Roche Partnering head Sophie Kornowski-Bonnet said: "This agreement is a novel partnering model where regulatory responsibility and trial sponsorship will only transition upon the success of additional clinical studies."

VAP-1 is encoded by the AOC3 gene on chromosome 17. It is a member of the semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) family and is associated with several vascular diseases.