Karo Bio and Wyeth Extend Research Collaboration
Wyeth and Karo Bio have agreed to extend the research term of their atherosclerosis collaboration for an additional year until August 31, 2006 with the intention of selecting candidate drugs for development.
Karo Bio entered into a three year research collaboration with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in September 2001 with the objective of developing new treatments for atherosclerosis. The collaboration, which targets the liver X receptor (LXR), was extended for an additional year by mutual agreement of the parties in 2004.
LXR is a regulator of cholesterol metabolism and it has been demonstrated that compounds that modulate the activity of LXR promote net cholesterol efflux from atherosclerotic blood vessels resulting in the potential for regression of vascular plaque formation. In addition, LXR modulators have anti-inflammatory properties and based on their profile and the need for new drugs, LXR modulators have the potential to become important agents in future treatment of atherosclerosis and other diseases. The collaboration has generated potent lead compounds that inhibit lipid accumulation in the aorta in animal models of atherosclerosis. The project continues to make good progress with lead compounds advancing in preclinical development.
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