Toronto. Source: Johannes Plenio , no changes made.
Fibrocor Therapeutics and Galapagos NV, have announced the formation of a partnership for the development of therapeutics to treat fibrotic diseases of the kidney and other organs.
Spun out of St. Michael’s Hospital and Sinai Health Systems in Toronto, Canada in early 2017, and seed-funded by MaRS Innovation, Fibrocor Therapeutics L.P. represents a new paradigm in drug discovery research as it marries a state of the art genomics platform (developed by Dr. Jeff Wrana) to a kidney biobank (led by Dr. Darren Yuen), ultimately uncovering underlying genetic factors associated with specific clinical populations, and using longitudinal data to uncover rapid progressors of the disease.
MaRS Innovation is a leading provider of commercialization services, early-stage funding, and deal-brokering with industry and private investors. As a member-based organization made up of 15 Member institutions, MaRS Innovation’s mandate is to drive the commercialization of their most promising research breakthroughs.
Galapagos, founded in 1999, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialized in the discovery and development of small molecule medicines with novel modes of action. Their pipeline comprises Phase 3, 2, 1, pre-clinical studies and discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic inflammation, fibrosis and other indications. The company’s ambition is to become a leading global biopharmaceutical company, focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines that will improve people’s lives.
The collaboration promises to be an excellent, strategic fit for both companies: Fibrocor will benefit from the expertise of a global pharma company, allowing it to pursue an accelerated path to drug development and ultimately commercialization of its scientific assets. Galapagos, on the other hand, gains a stronger foothold in the fibrosis field which dovetails nicely with its stated wish of continuing its franchise specifically in lung fibrosis but eventually fibrosis of other organs. The deal will see an agreed-upon upfront payment go to Fibrocor with potential milestone and royalty payments down the road.
“We are enthusiastic about establishing ties with Galapagos through Fibrocor. We believe it will be a great fit for both companies as well as for us and our Member institutions.” … “Fibrocor works closely with our CRO partner, Evotec GmbH, as well as the scientific teams both in Toronto and in Germany. Galapagos’ commitment to therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis is perfectly aligned with the core mandate of both Fibrocor and MaRS Innovation. Such close ties to top expertise on many levels will only enhance and strengthen the quality of future drug development in this important and under-served area” – Rafi Hofstein, CEO of MaRS Innovation and Chair of Fibrocor
“This partnership validates the fibrosis drug development expertise of Fibrocor as a leading fibrosis drug development company,” … “I take my hat off to Dr. Richard Gilbert and the scientific team, including Evotec GmbH, our CRO partner, for establishing a compelling data package that ultimately attracted Galapagos, a world-renowned biotech company with a key franchise in fibrosis. We feel this is the beginning of a great relationship and look forward to working with Galapagos to the benefit of fibrosis sufferers everywhere.” – Mark A. Steedman, President and CEO of Fibrocor
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