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Acologix and Toray
Announce Partnership
on AC-200 (Phosphatonin)
Hayward, CA – June 19, 2006 – Acologix, Inc., a privately
held biopharmaceutical company, and Toray Industries, Inc. of Tokyo,
Japan, announced that the companies have entered into a development
and license agreement relating to Acologix’ AC-200 program
in Japan. AC-200, or Phosphatonin, is a recombinant protein in preclinical
development for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, a condition
where serum phosphate levels are elevated. Hyperphosphatemia is
a common problem for end or advanced-stage renal disease patients
that can lead to a variety of serious medical conditions including
cardiovascular events and bone disease.
“Toray is very pleased to work with Acologix on the AC-200
program,” stated Kozo Nagai, Managing Director of Pharmaceutical
and Medical Products Division at Toray Industries, Inc. Mr. Nagai
further stated, “Forging a renal alliance with Acologix continues
to be an important strategy for Toray, and we look forward to developing
novel drugs for kidney patients.”
“Developing novel therapeutics for renal failure patients
is an important component of Acologix’ corporate strategy,”
stated Yoshi Kumagai, President and CEO of Acologix, Inc. Mr. Kumagai
added, “This partnership represents an important step and
strengthens our relationship with Toray, a leading Japanese company
with significant expertise in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing,
particularly in the kidney disease and dialysis area.”
Toray has been granted an exclusive license to AC-200 in Japan.
Acologix will maintain primary development responsibility for AC-200,
and Toray may participate in certain development activities. Financial
terms were not disclosed.
Toray Industries, Inc.
Toray, founded in 1926, is a diversified chemical manufacturer
with operations in 18 countries and regions. Throughout its history,
Toray has kept itself focused on research and technological development,
seeking to contribute to society by creating new value. Underlying
Toray's operations is technological expertise in the three core
fields of organic synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and biochemistry.
Toray's operation also diversifies into such business fields as
Information and Telecommunications Related (IT-Related) Products,
Housing and Engineering, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products, and
Advanced Composite Materials. Toray positions its Life Sciences
business, including pharmaceuticals and medical products, as one
of its strategic businesses destined for future expansion and likely
to become a nuclear business in the 21st century. Notably, Toray
was the first company to obtain approval for a human natural interferon-?
product (Feron) and an orally active prostacyclin (PGI2) derivative
(Dorner). Feron is primarily used to treat chronic hepatitis C,
and Dorner is used to treat chronic arterial occlusion. Toray has
also established its preeminence as a global leader in medical device
products such as Filtryzer and Toraysulfone artificial kidneys,
and Toraymyxin an extra-corporeal blood purification column for
the treatment of septicemia.
About Acologix, Inc.
Acologix, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, is developing
and commercializing innovative biopharmaceuticals targeting osteo-renal
diseases, including chronic kidney disease, renal osteodystrophy,
bone repair and regeneration, periodontal disease, general dentistry
and oral care. Acologix has been partnering with Toray on the development
and commercialization of TRK-820 for the treatment of uremic pruritus
in dialysis patients. TRK-820 is being studied in a European Phase
3 pivotal clinical trial, and the conduct of a Phase III trial is
planned in the United States. AC-100 (Dentonin®), a novel small
peptide with dental, periodontal and orthopedic applications, is
currently being studied in two Phase II clinical studies, one in
dental restoration procedures and another for the repair of periodontal
defects. Acologix is also developing AC-200 (Phosphatonin) to treat
hyperphosphatemia and subsequent clinical problems associated with
chronic kidney disease. For more information go to www.acologix.com
This press release contains “forward-looking”
statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which
may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the
statements. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding
product development and cannot be guaranteed. Acologix undertakes
no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated
together with the many uncertainties that affect Acologix’
business.
Acologix Contact
Yoshi Kumagai
President and CEO
Phone: 510-512-7200
Fax: 510-786-1116
ir-usa@acologix.com
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