Trimeris, Roche Broaden Scope Of Hiv Partnership
Trimeris Inc. of Durham and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. of Nutley, N.J., have expanded a worldwide partnership agreement to discover, develop and commercialize novel generations of HIV fusion-inhibitor peptides.
First signed in 1999, the agreement between the two companies is focused on T-20 and T-1249, two investigational HIV fusion inhibitors. T-20 is currently in Phase III clinical trials, and T-1249 is in Phase I/II clinical trials. (See page 4 for a list of North Carolina biotechnology companies that have products awaiting approval or potential products in Phase III clinical trials.)
Under the terms of the newly expanded three-year agreement, Trimeris will equally fund worldwide research, development and commercialization costs, as well as share equally in profits from worldwide sales of new HIV fusion-inhibitor peptides discovered after July 1, 1999.
Fusion inhibitors are a new class of HIV treatments that block the virus before it enters a host cell. By expanding the class beyond T-20 and T-1249, the next generation of fusion inhibitors has the potential to increase future treatment options for people living with HIV disease.
“Together with our partners, we intend to utilize multiple approaches to continue to improve and expand the fusion inhibitor class,” said Dani P. Bolognesi, co-founder and CEO of Trimeris.
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