Euro giant Serono to develop Amrad compound

Melbourne-based Amrad has granted an exclusive license to Swiss/US company Serono to develop and commercialise emfilermin for use in reproductive health indications, under an option in the original partnership between the two companies.

Emfilermin, a recombinant form of human leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) discovered at the Water and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), is thought to be important in the process of implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining, a problem for many infertile women.

Early clinical studies using emfilermin have shown promise as a treatment for infertility, suggesting it may be able to increase the clinical pregnancy rate by increasing embryo implantation in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments.

The deal was foreshadowed earlier this year, when Amrad announced its reprioritised strategy, earmarking emfilermin as one product for which the company would seek licensing. Last year, the company ceased development of the compound as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nerve damage after a Phase II trial showed the drug didn't work for that indication.

In fact, according to managing director Dr Sandra Webb, negotiations with Serono have been on the table for some time.

"We're excited about it, as we have got it [the deal] over the line with a leading biotechnology company," said Webb. "It's excellent validation of WEHI science and our own commercialisation skills."

Although details of the license were not disclosed, Webb said that the deal included an up-front license fee, scheduled fees payable as Serono achieved product development and sales milestones, and ultimately royalties on any product once it got to market.

Amrad medical director Dr David Crump said that further development of the compound would largely be undertaken by Serono, a company he considered to be a frontrunner in the area of reproductive health.

According to Crump, Serono is about to commence another Phase II study, in which two Australian centres for the treatment of infertility, in Sydney and Melbourne, would participate.