Angiochem, Geron partner in cancer
Angiochem Inc. (Montreal, Quebec) granted Geron Corp. (NASDAQ:GERN) exclusive, worldwide rights to receptor-targeting peptides conjugated to tubulin disassembly inhibitors. The deal includes GRN1005 (formerly ANG1005), which is slated to begin Phase II testing in 2H11 to treat brain metastases arising from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer. GRN1005 comprises three paclitaxel molecules linked to a peptide that targets low-density lipoprotein-related protein 1 alpha-2-macroglobulin receptor ( LRP1; CD91). Angiochem will receive $7.5 million in cash up front, as well as $27.5 million in Geron stock. Angiochem is eligible for milestones, royalties and a share of sublicensing revenues. The partners also will research the use of receptor-targeting peptides to transport telomerase inhibitors into the CNS. ...