Xenome in third screening partnership

Brisbane biotech and animal venom specialist Xenome Ltd has found yet another partner to screen its library of bioactive peptide molecules.

Its latest agreement, the third signed in less than a month, is with Icagen Inc, a private US company focused on ion channel therapeutics.

Xenome molecules based on structures isolated from venomous species will be screened against the North Carolina company's proprietary ion channel drug targets.

The new partnership is broader in scope than an earlier agreement Xenome negotiated with another ion channel specialist, UK-based Ionix Pharmaceuticals.

Channels regulating the flow of ions in cells are crucial to the development of many diseases.

Xenome has also struck an agreement to test its molecules against Melbourne-based Cytopia Ltd's anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer targets.

The latest collaboration, like the others, will see the partners sharing equally in any IP and commercial rewards which flow from the joint venture.

The various agreements contain exclusive and non-exclusive clauses which have been structured to avoid any conflicts of interest, according to Xenome CEO Tony Evans.