Mpex, Synteract partner for cystic fibrosis fundraising event

May 19 2011

Synteract, Inc., a full-service, global contract research organization (CRO), and Mpex Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company developing new therapies to combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, have partnered for the second annual Great Strides fundraiser to benefit cystic fibrosis (CF). The two companies are also working together on two phase 3 trials to combat the disease.

"Great Strides: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis" is the largest national fundraising event held by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation throughout May, in recognition of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. The three mile fundraising walk is hosted locally by Synteract and Mpex in conjunction with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Sunday, May 22^nd in Del Mar at Powerhouse Park. The walk brings co-workers, friends and families of the two companies together to fund a cure for cystic fibrosis. Employees of both companies assist with fundraising efforts leading up to the walk and host educational events to heighten awareness on CF.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease arising from an inherited defective gene that affects the lung and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. About 1,000 new cases of Cystic Fibrosis are diagnosed each year. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation leads the fight for a cure and appreciates help from sponsors like Synteract and Mpex.

"The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is grateful to sponsors like Synteract and Mpex for helping our fundraising efforts and educating the community about this debilitating disease. Every step taken during the Great Strides fundraiser brings us closer to finding a cure," explained Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser Executive Director Maria Olson.

Synteract, a "CRO with Character" that focuses on responsiveness and integrity, also is teaming with Mpex to conduct two phase 3 trials for Aeroquin™, the company's leading product candidate to fight the illness. Mpex's most advanced product candidate, Aeroquin (MP-376), is a proprietary aerosol formulation of levofloxacin that is currently in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. These global trials are underway at more than 100 cystic fibrosis treatment centers and will enroll over 500 patients.