MicroDose Therapeutx acquires a portfolio of compounds from Epix Pharmaceuticals

Dec 2 2009

MicroDose Therapeutx Inc. today announced that it has acquired a portfolio of compounds for the potential treatment of chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and other diseases, from Epix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (EPIX) (Lexington, MA). The lead compound in the portfolio, formerly known as EPX-16006, is a novel, highly selective, oral, small molecule, now called MDT-006. The compound is extremely potent, possibly allowing for once-a-day dosing, and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in preclinical studies. Because of MDT-006's unique mechanism of action, it may also have application in non-gastrointestinal diseases. MicroDose intends to develop MDT-006 initially in an oral format using its PolyCap® delivery platform.

Commenting on the product acquisition, Mike Martin, Vice President, Licensing and Business Development at MicroDose said “Current pharmaceutical options are extremely limited to treat chronic constipation resulting from IBS and there is a substantial commercial opportunity for a safe and effective therapy. MDT-006 offers an attractive approach to current therapy and because the compound acts primarily on the colon and is not absorbed, it is expected to have fewer gastrointestinal and systemic side effects.”

MicroDose acquired EPIX’s global rights to the compounds in an outright purchase for cash. The acquisition includes rights to EPX 16006, its chemical analogues and supporting patents and development data, including toxicology studies and related materials. MicroDose plans to further develop MDT-006 internally and to seek partnering opportunities at an appropriate future stage of the development program.

The EPIX transaction is the second portfolio acquisition by MicroDose in the last two months. MicroDose earlier announced its purchase from ViroPharma Incorporated of anti-viral investigational compounds (MDT-637) for the potential prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV disease.