ConfometRx and UCB Announce New R&D Partnership

Innovative collaboration launched with ConfometRx, the GPCR structural biology company founded by Stanford University professor and Nobel Prize winner Brian Kobilka

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ConfometRx announced today that it has sealed a research agreement with UCB to enable the discovery of novel medicines addressing unmet medical need in Neuroscience. Under this two-year multi-target agreement UCB and ConfometRx will leverage structural biology to gain insight into G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) modulation towards the design of differentiated drugs. GPCRs are the largest family of signaling proteins in the human genome. They are involved in virtually all physiological processes and represent the single largest target class for medicines on the market.  The terms of the agreement, whose details are not disclosed, include an up-front payment, research funding and success-based milestones.

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Tong Sun Kobilka, CEO of ConfometRx, said: "We are delighted to be working with UCB's world-class Central Nervous System research group to enhance their drug development activities. With over 20 years of experience working in the coupled receptor field and our unique technological approach, we believe that we can bring significant value to UCB's novel drug development process. We look forward to working closely with UCB's R&D teams."  

Ismail Kola, Executive Vice President and President, NewMedicines at UCB said, "GPCR crystallization remains a challenge and requires state-of-the-art technologies as well as expertise. Professor Brian Kobilka is the first to have succeeded in crystallizing a GPCR target in the active state and was awarded the chemistry Nobel prize for his work in the field of GPCR structural biology. We look forward to working with ConfometRx as part of our continued strategy to innovate in drug discovery, transforming knowledge and insight into health-changing invention. We strive to fulfill our mission of discovering new medicines that aim to improve the lives of people living with severe diseases. The collaboration with ConfometRx is another example of UCB's strategies at work where we are continuing building supernetworks of innovation that are aimed at building superior and sustainable value for patients."

About ConfometRx
ConfometRx, a leader in G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) structural characterization and analysis, has exclusive rights to the patented T4-lysozyme (T4-L) protein fusion stabilization technology used to solve at least thirteen novel GPCR structures.  This pioneering protein fusion technology was developed by Stanford Professor and ConfometRx co-Founder, Dr. Brian Kobilka, and Stanford University has been awarded six separate patents on this fundamental technology with other patents still pending both in the U.S. and abroad.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about ConfometRx's proprietary technology or to discuss a possible partnering arrangement in the United States or abroad, please contact Dickstein Shapiro LLP, Attn: Deborah Fishman , 1841 Page Mill Road, Suite 150, Palo Alto, CA 94304, phone: (650) 690-9500, fax: (650) 690-9501, e-mail:  [email protected].

SOURCE ConfometRx