BTG plc commences first clinical study of novel migraine treatment
BTG licensed BGC20-1531 from Asterand plc (formerly Pharmagene plc) under an exclusive agreement in 2006. On reaching this clinical milestone, BTG has paid Asterand £250,000 as per the terms of the agreement.
Prostaglandin PGE2-induced cerebral vascular dilatation is thought to underlie migraine pain, particularly via activation of the EP4 receptor subtype. BGC20-1531 is an EP4 receptor antagonist that has been shown to competitively antagonise PGE2-induced vasodilatation of human middle cerebral and meningeal arteries in vitro, supporting its potential use as a treatment for migraine and other pain conditions. Furthermore, since EP4 receptors are discretely localised, the overall safety profile of EP4 receptor antagonists may be improved compared to triptans and NSAIDs.
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