Ascepion, Debiopharm partner to develop and commercialize ASP-08126 for solid tumors

Debiopharm Group™ (Debiopharm), a global biopharmaceutical development specialist that focuses on serious medical conditions and particularly oncology, and Ascepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ascepion), a privately-held, biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of breakthrough small molecule drugs for the treatment of oncology and related diseases, have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement concerning the development and commercialization of ASP-08126 (called Debio 1144 by Debiopharm) a multikinase inhibitor currently in pre-clinical development. ASP-08126 is a potent orally available small molecule that binds and inhibits several tyrosine kinase oncogenes implicated in many aspects of cancer development including tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis. ASP-08126 is expected to be effective in the treatment of various solid tumors as a mono-therapeutic agent or in combination with other anti-cancer therapies.

"The potential of Debio 1144 to simultaneously inhibit many aspects of cancer development is making that substance extremely attractive to Debiopharm," said Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, President and founder of Debiopharm, who added, "Debio 1144 has the potential of helping patients suffering from several tumor types. This element, combined with the spectrum of inhibitions offered by Debio 1144, is expected to lead to a better quality of life."

"We are very pleased to collaborate with Debiopharm, a company with track records and expertise in the development of cancer medicines, to develop our innovative cancer therapeutics. The formation of this partnership will facilitate the development of ASP-08126 and benefit cancer patients ultimately," stated Dr. Shan Jiang, President and CEO of Ascepion Pharmaceuticals.