Abraxis forges cancer licensing deal with Scripps

Abraxis BioScience and The Scripps Research Institute have inked an exclusive licensing agreement for the worldwide development and commercialization of a novel epothilone therapeutic for the treatment of cancer. Epothilones belong to a new class of microtubule-stabilizing agents, which bind to the tubulin pathway to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Under the terms of the agreement, Abraxis has rights to eleven potential drug candidates for pre-clinical evaluation and selection of a lead candidate for clinical development. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are excited to enter into this exclusive agreement with The Scripps Research Institute, which enables Abraxis to expand its rapidly growing oncology pipeline with the addition of a novel epothilone therapy," said Neil P. Desai, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at Abraxis.

- see the release on the licensing pact

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