EvoGenix, Genesis team to target new anti-inflammatories

A trans-Tasman collaboration between New Zealand's Genesis R&D (NZSE/ASX: GEN) and Sydney-based EvoGenix will target a novel target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

The research and development program, to be undertaken jointly by the two companies, focuses on a novel immune modulator discovered by researchers at Genesis.

"The collaboration builds on Genesis R&D's strengths in finding targets and performing biological studies, and our strengths in protein discovery and optimisation," said EvoGenix CEO Merilyn Sleigh.

Initially, the two companies will screen a library for antibody-like molecules capable of binding to and inhibiting the activity of the target molecule, before selecting an appropriate lead therapeutic molecule with which to continue.

Sleigh said it would probably take a few months to validate the target prior to identifying and developing promise therapeutic leads. It would be two to three years before any leads could be tested in the clinic, she said.

Contact between the two companies were first established at last year's BIO 2002 conference in Toronto, said Sleigh, and the two companies realised that their respective capabilities were very complementary.

"The deal has been a dream to do, firstly because Genesis are so close, and secondly because it's a very logical match," Sleigh said.

Sleigh's view was shared by Genesis's head of health Dr Douglas Williams, who said the combination of expertise and intellectual property in the two companies made them ideal partners.

"Companies in the Australasian region need to work together to maximise the value of their intellectual property as they develop products for the global health market," he said.