The Reporter: June 1997, Vol.8, No.3
INNOVATION IN RESEARCH
CIE News

Further Developments with VIMRx Pharmaceuticals
A second collaboration between Columbia and the biotechnology company VIMRx Pharmaceuticals has been announced, following a major agreement signed between the company and the Columbia Genome Center earlier this year [see the Reporter, April 1997]. The company has acquired an exclusive, worldwide license to a novel cardiovascular compound developed in the laboratories of Dr. David Stern, P&S professor of physiology and cell biophysics. The protein, known as Factor IXa inhibitor (Factor IXai), has demonstrated in preclinical studies its ability to selectively prevent blood clots that can lead to stroke during surgery while reducing the potential for bleeding complications associated with currently available anticoagulation therapies.

"Each year, 1 million cardiopulmonary bypasses requiring anticoagulation are performed in the United States, Japan, and Western Europe and approximately 10 percent of the patients suffer dangerous bleeding complications that can result in morbidity and, in some cases, death," says Dr. Stern.

Dr. Stern is principal investigator for the study of the compound. Other key scientists involved in the project are Dr. Eric A. Rose, chairman of surgery; Dr. Ann Marie Schmidt, P&S assistant professor of medicine; Dr. David Pinsky, P&S assistant professor of medicine; Dr. Talia Spanier, postdoctoral research fellow in surgery; and additional collaborators in the departments of surgery, medicine, and neurosurgery.

Prevention of intravascular blood clotting during hemodialysis is also a major unmet medical need and a target indication that the company believes will be of great benefit to patients. In the United States alone, 170,000 patients undergo hemodialysis procedures three times a week. Approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of the patients experience bleeding abnormalities associated with, or that are intolerant to, currently available non-selective anticoagulation agents.

As part of the agreement, Columbia and VIMRx will collaborate on research and development of the compound. Studies will focus on biology and toxicology studies for safety assessment and other preclinical studies required for VIMRx to file an investigational new drug application early next year.

Negotiations were handled by Columbia Innovation Enterprise (CIE). Jack M. Granowitz, executive director of CIE, says that under the terms of the agreement, Columbia will receive an initial cash payment, a commitment for funding to support Factor IXai research, and a share of income derived from commercialization of the compound. VIMRx Pharmaceuticals will receive an exclusive, worldwide license to Factor IXai intellectual property.