TRL, Anaphore partner to develop novel protein therapies for autoimmune diseases

Tanabe Research Laboratories U.S.A. Inc., (TRL) announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Anaphore Inc. for the research and preclinical development of novel protein therapies for autoimmune diseases based on Anaphore's proprietary Atrimer™ technology.

TRL and Anaphore will generate novel trivalent proteins called Atrimers that can be programmed to bind to and activate or inhibit targets of interest. The partnership will focus on strategies to develop biologic therapies for autoimmune disorders such as, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. TRL and Anaphore will commence the research and development alliance immediately.

TRL is a San Diego based subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and, in mid 2010, TRL refocused its efforts on the discovery and development of biological drugs for therapy of immune disorders. Late stage development and commercialization of lead products will be carried out by the parent company Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma.  

"This collaboration with Anaphore will allow TRL to consolidate its position in autoimmune disease research and allow us to bring a new generation of biologics to physicians and their patients," said Dr. Roland Newman, Chief Scientific Officer, TRL. "We anticipate an exciting and fruitful relationship with Anaphore utilizing their Atrimer™ technology and capitalizing on the promising work Anaphore has already done."

"We look forward to working with TRL and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma as partners that will utilize Anaphore's Atrimer™ technology to improve therapy in a wide range of diseases," said Katherine Bowdish, Ph.D., Anaphore's Chief Executive Officer. "TRL has a strong and dedicated team of research scientists and in Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma we will have a partner with a record of success in the biologics market and a commitment to advancing a new class of protein therapeutics for immune-system disorders."