Nuon Therapeutics, Inc. has selected the drug Tranilast, N-(3',4'-dimethoxycinnamonyl) anthranilic acid as its lead therapeutic agent. Tranilast is an orally active anti-allergic small molecule drug originally developed by Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ('Kissei'). The drug has regulatory approval for asthma, atopic dermatitis and related indications in Japan, South Korea and China and has a well-established safety record.
The basis for Nuon Therapeutics, Inc.'s interest in Tranilast is founded upon new technology and applications of the drug from studies carried out in collaboration with international thought leaders; Professor Marc Feldmann (The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College London) and Professor Larry Steinman (Stanford University). These collaborations have demonstrated the efficacy of Tranilast in several unique, yet well-validated animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and pain. Based upon this work, Nuon Therapeutics, Inc. has licensed a broad portfolio of intellectual property addressing the use of Tranilast in major autoimmune and analgesia markets.
Not only has Tranilast demonstrated excellent activity in animal models of autoimmune disease and inflammation, it also has a well-known safety profile in humans. In addition to its long history of use in Japan, Tranilast was recently administered to over 9,000 patients in a Phase III trial conducted by GlaxoSmtihKline in collaboration with Kissei. Having a well-understood safety profile means that Nuon Therapeutics, Inc. has de-risked a significant portion of the clinical development process and will be able to move rapidly into human clinical trials in new indications.
Nuon Therapeutics, Inc. has established a license and supply agreement with Kissei, allowing access to relevant information on Tranilast in order to support efficacy-focused clinical trials in new indications initiating in early 2008.