TOPIGEN Pharmaceuticals Inc. signs a development and manufacturing agreement with DOW to supply oligonucleutides
Topigen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and The Dow Chemical Company recently signed a joint agreement for Dowpharma, Dow's pharmaceutical manufacturing services business unit, to supply select, proprietary oligonucleotides to TOPIGEN.
TOPIGEN's pharmaceutical development program, based primarily on a unique and synergistic blend of antisense oligonucleotides, is directed toward the treatment of a host of inflammatory respiratory diseases. TOPIGEN's therapeutic platform is predicated on engaging multiple, not single, genes, which significantly broadens the anti- inflammatory response. The effectiveness of this approach has been amply borne out by proof-of-concept trials with TOPIGEN's lead product for the treatment of asthma.
Dowpharma, with its unique and well-grounded combination of oligonucleotide experience, process engineering capabilities and regulatory compliance record will provide a high-quality and reliable source of supply as oligonucleotide-based products move through the phases of clinical trials to commercial production. Dowpharma is currently providing its clients with both laboratory (campaigns to 100g) and mid-scale (campaigns to 5kg) cGMP oligonucleotide development and manufacturing capabilities. A commercial unit (~500kg annual capacity) will be on- line later in 2003.
This collaboration synergizes the strengths of both organizations - TOPIGEN's in the discovery and commercialization of novel therapeutics and Dowpharma in analytical and process development, and scale-up from the laboratory to cGMP commercial production.
Angelo Ruffo, CEO of TOPIGEN states, "We at TOPIGEN are delighted at this affiliation with Dowpharma. We are confident that our relationship with its complementary competencies will not only assure us of a quality supply of critical components for our medication but will undoubtedly lead to even greater longer term opportunities for both companies."
Howard Ratcliffe, Dowpharma Business Development Manager for Oligonucleotides states, "The relationship with TOPIGEN benefits both organizations as it enables each company to capitalize on their areas of expertise. TOPIGEN's area of expertise is in the discovery and testing of novel drugs to treat major human diseases. Dowpharma is proficient in oligonucleotide analysis, process development, and manufacture. Dowpharma is looking forward to working with TOPIGEN in achieving its commercial goals."
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