WILMINGTON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--X-Rx, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. to develop X-Rx’s proprietary small molecule autotaxin (ATX) inhibitors. ATX plays a key role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and is upregulated in many diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Inhibition of ATX leads to a reduction in lysophosphatidic acid production, which blocks signaling cascades that ultimately drive the development of fibrosis.
Under the terms of the agreement, X-Rx will receive an upfront payment and research funding to advance the lead molecule through early clinical development and to support the company in further developing its other pipeline assets. X-Rx also may receive subsequent clinical milestone payments. X-Rx has granted Gilead the exclusive option to purchase the program. Further financial terms were not disclosed.
“We are very pleased to partner with Gilead on the ATX drug development program as we seek to address the needs of patients with IPF,” says Lee E. Babiss, Ph.D. and CEO of X-Rx, Inc. “This partnership underscores our capabilities and ability to successfully advance an efficient and high quality drug discovery pipeline.”
About X-Rx, Inc.
X-Rx was founded in December 2012 with a team that collectively has over 80 years of successful Pharma/Biotech drug discovery and development experience. Together and in partnership with a number of CROs, we focus on the creation of pre-clinical small molecule drug candidates in a manner that is rapid, efficient and high quality. With access to the industry’s best DNA-encoded library screening platform, we are able to address difficult to drug targets, many of which are highly validated and offer first-in-class opportunities. Our primary focus is in the areas of oncology, autoimmunity and fibrosis.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company’s mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Gilead has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
