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Collegium Pharmaceutical and Tufts University to Collaborate on Human Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Life-threatening Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Caused by E. Coli Toxins
HINGHAM, MA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-January 10, 2003-Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., a closely held specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Tufts University to further develop an antibody for neutralizing specific toxins from the E. coli bacteria that cause a life-threatening and largely untreated illness, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS, a rare condition primarily affecting children under 10, destroys red blood cells, causes damage to the lining of blood vessel walls and, in severe cases, induces kidney failure and death. There is currently no known treatment for the disease. The use of an antibody as a potential therapy for treatment and prevention of HUS was first conceived at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in the laboratory of Dr. Saul Tzipori, Professor and Head, Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Tzipori has researched and published extensively in the area of E. coli shiga toxins, developing well-defined preclinical models. Collegium, in conjunction with Dr. Tzipori, will pursue potential preventive and therapeutic applications using human monoclonal antibodies. "Members of our Division have been working on the disease caused by E. coli for several years. Using models specifically developed to study this infection, we have characterized the toxins liberated in the gut that are absorbed into the bloodstream, causing kidney and brain damage. With Collegium as a partner, we are now ready to bring the human antibodies to human clinical trials," said Dr. Tzipori. Clinical trials are expected in the near future. E. coli is a well-recognized cause of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. Outbreaks are commonly associated with food, milk and fecally contaminated products from cattle and other sources. More recent outbreaks have implicated drinking water. Although many cases of the illness resolve in 5-10 days, a subset of ill individuals - typically the very young and the elderly, are susceptible to developing post-diarrheal HUS. This illness is extremely serious because it affects numerous body systems including the kidney, brain, heart, lung, gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. The disease is the most frequent form of kidney failure in children worldwide. Individuals developing HUS have a 5-15 percent mortality rate. Research indicates that over 50 percent of survivors may suffer long-term disability, including the need for dialysis or transplant. Jessica Wolfe, Ph.D., MPH, Vice President, Collegium said: "The association with Tufts University and Dr. Tzipori and his internationally recognized team provide Collegium with an outstanding opportunity to address an important public health issue and an unmet medical need. We are very excited about combining Collegium's extensive drug development experience with Dr. Tzipori's scientific leadership." About Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. Collegium, based in Hingham, MA, is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of "commercially ready" intellectual property for the pharmaceutical industry. Collegium utilizes a multi-functional development process and applies its expertise in clinical development, formulation/manufacturing and basic science (chemistry, biology, engineering) to develop unique products across various therapeutic areas.
Contacts:
Barbara Donato |
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