The spin-off company, and Umeå Biotech Incubator project, Lipigon Pharmaceuticals and AstraZeneca have entered a research collaboration to develop a high throughput assay for the identification of molecules against elevated blood lipids.
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a promising target for development of new medicines for dyslipidemia and other cardiometabolic risk markers. Recent evidence from genetic- and population studies strongly suggest a causal association between LPL and cardiovascular disease, providing support for LPL as a therapeutic target.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will work together to develop a high throughput assay by employing Lipigon’s screening platform for the identification of small molecules that promote the stabilization of LPL. Lipigon will receive upfront payment and milestone payments from AstraZeneca.
Stefan K Nilsson, CEO, Lipigon Pharmaceuticals: ”Lipigon Pharmaceuticals possesses unique know-how and technology enabling discovery and development of novel drugs for treatment of dyslipidemia and metabolic disease. We could not ask for better timing entering this collaboration with AstraZeneca. Together with AstraZeneca there is a possibility to screen hundred-fold more compounds than we have capacity for by our own. This agreement is a hallmark for Lipigon and for our project. Thus, this is an important step in our development towards a sustainable R&D company.”
Marcus Schindler, VP, CVMD Innovative Medicines unit, AstraZeneca says: “This is an exciting opportunity where a small Swedish biotech company with an innovative approach complements AstraZeneca’s research in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Lipigon is internationally recognized for their scientific knowledge and technological know-how in a challenging area. I am particulary pleased to see this collaboration come to fruition as it could help strengthening the Nordic Life Science eco-system and bring the next generation of medicine to patients”.
