Trials contractor to take equity in Peplin
Wednesday, 19 January, 2005
French-based clinical trial contractor Cvitkovic and Associates Consultants (CAC) will take equity in Brisbane cancer-drug developer Peplin Biotech (ASX:PEP) and establish a 'dedicated operation' in Australia.
Peplin's CEO, Michael Aldridge, said CAC has been working with Peplin for the past year on the early-stage cancer and leukaemia trials of its lead anti-cancer compound, PEP005.
In return for its contract clinical development services, CAC will take part-payment in Peplin shares, with quantities based on Peplin's price when quarterly payments fall due.
"The principals of CAC have a keen interest in our skin cancer, bladder cancer and leukaemia programs, and we have structured a long-term collaboration which will see an integration of activities and alignment of interests for both organisations," Aldridge said.
He described CAC as having world-class capabilities and cancer-focused expertise in designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting clinical trials.
The French company also had a strong track record in developing cancer drugs, and a 'solid presence' in the major pharmaceutical markets.
CAC's first project under the new agreement will be the Phase II clinical trial of PEP005 as a topical treatment for actinic keratoses - pre-cancerous 'sunspots'.
Quitting smoking increases life expectancy even for seniors
Although the benefits of quitting smoking diminish with age, there are still substantial gains...
Stem cell transplants treat blindness in mini pigs
Scientists have successfully transplanted retinas made from stem cells into blind mini pigs,...
Sugary drinks raise cardiovascular disease risk, but occasional sweets don't
Although higher sugar intake raises your risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, consuming sweet...
