Human Genome Sciences can begin cardiovascular disease research

Human Genome Sciences, Inc.announced today that it has received a clinical development milestone payment from its partner, GlaxoSmithKline, related to the initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials of 677116 for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. 677116 is a small-molecule inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzyme associated with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

GlaxoSmithKline discovered 677116 under a collaboration agreement entered into in 1993 with Human Genome Sciences for the sharing of genomics technology and intellectual property. It is the third small-molecule inhibitor of Lp-PLA2 arising from the collaboration agreement that GlaxoSmithKline has entered into clinical development.1, 2, 3

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Human Genome Sciences is entitled to receive clinical development milestone payments and royalties for compounds discovered by GlaxoSmithKline as part of the collaboration. Under the agreement, Human Genome Sciences will receive an additional milestone payment if 677116 moves into registration, and will receive royalties if the compound is commercialized. In addition, Human Genome Sciences has an option to co-promote an approved drug in the North American and European markets.

William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO, said, “Inhibition of the Lp-PLA2 enzyme ultimately may offer an important new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. We are pleased that GlaxoSmithKline has chosen to enter 677116 into clinical development. Our relationship with GlaxoSmithKline demonstrates that genomics is an important source of innovation for the discovery of novel drugs to prevent and treat serious illnesses.”

Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to treat and cure disease by bringing new gene-based protein and antibody drugs to patients.