Predix expands research collaboration with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 3 - Predix Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. said it has expanded its research, development and commercialization agreement with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, Inc. (CFFT), the nonprofit drug discovery and development affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The expanded agreement allows for additional research by Predix using its proprietary Predict technology to characterize the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) ion channel protein.

Predict technology will also be used to discover small-molecule agonists of the P2Y(2) protein to ameliorate symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Under the agreement, Predix retains the right to develop and commercialize any drug candidates discovered through the second research program.

"We are very pleased that we are now at the point where Predix can begin conducting drug discovery research based on its innovative computer model of the cystic fibrosis protein CFTR," Cystic Fibrosis Foundation president and chief executive officer Robert J. Beall said in a company news release.

Predix will receive a $1.5 million milestone payment under the original agreement and is eligible for an additional $3.5 million in research funding and milestone payments under the expanded agreement.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease affecting an estimated 30,000 Americans.

Predix, based in Lexington, Mass., discovers and develops novel, highly selective, small-molecule drugs that target G-Protein Coupled Receptors and ion channels.

The company recently agreed to merge with EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass.

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