Eisai Licenses Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) to Radius

05-Jul-2006

Radius announced that it has acquired exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Japan, to a new class of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) discovered by Eisai Co., Ltd. Radius is currently advancing its first development candidate from this class, RAD 1901, into pre-IND studies for the treatment and prevention of hot flashes and osteoporosis. Financial terms were not disclosed.

SERMs bind and selectively activate the estrogen receptors of some tissues while blocking activation in other tissues. In bone, SERMs activate the estrogen receptors, improving bone mass. In breast and uterus tissues they prevent receptor activation and so can avoid the negative impact that prolonged estrogen therapy may have on these tissues. Yet raloxifene and other SERMs in development are not effective in reducing hot flashes and may exacerbate them. Preclinical studies conducted by Radius and Eisai suggest that RAD 1901 has the potential to reduce the hot flashes associated with menopause and to improve bone integrity, without stimulating breast or uterine tissues. "RAD 1901 is possibly the first of a new class of SERMs that can both relieve hot flashes and prevent the bone loss caused by osteoporosis, without uterine and breast stimulation," said C. Richard Lyttle, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Radius.

As a part of the agreement, Eisai granted Radius an exclusive license to research, develop, manufacture and sell the compound worldwide, except for Japan; whereas Eisai will maintain the same rights in Japan. The compound is currently in a stage of preclinical development and Radius will carry out the development of the compound in the licensed territory. Under the terms of the agreement, Eisai will receive up-front payment, milestone payments and royalties.

The compound is expected to have a curative effect on osteoporosis. At the same time, the new molecular entity is considered to have fewer deleterious peripheral side effects associated with estrogen-like activity. The compound is also expected to provide relief from symptoms such as hot flashes seen at the post-menopausal disorders unlike the currently approved SERMs.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/56030/eisai-licenses-selective-estrogen-receptor-modulators-serms-to-radius.html