ViroStatics Acquires Library of Anti-Cancer/Antiviral Compounds From the University of Siena

SASSARI, Italy & PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViroStatics srl, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for viral and other chronic diseases, announced today that it has obtained an exclusive license to a library of 300 compounds developed by Professor Maurizio Botta (University of Siena) in collaboration with Professors Silvia Schenone (University of Genova) and Giovanni Maga (IGM-CNR, Pavia) and to the patents associated therewith. The library consists of specifically designed molecules targeting key enzymes and processes involved in both cancer and viral diseases. ViroStatics will identify and develop candidate compounds with activity against HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), hepatitis C, and other viruses using the Company’s proprietary screening methodologies. Specific terms of the license agreement were not announced.

“With their expertise in screening compounds to identify viable leads and experience in drug development, I believe our collaboration will further advance the discovery of new pharmaceuticals with great clinical potential.”

“ViroStatics is extremely honored to partner with Professors Botta, Schenone, and Maga to acquire this impressive library of compounds with potential applications in the treatment of cancer, HIV/AIDS and other chronic infections,” said Dr. Franco Lori, President and CEO of ViroStatics. “Using our proprietary methodologies for screening these agents, ViroStatics plans to quickly begin to identify candidate compounds to move into preclinical development.”

“The University of Siena is pleased to provide this extensive library of compounds to our colleagues at ViroStatics,” added Professor Botta. “With their expertise in screening compounds to identify viable leads and experience in drug development, I believe our collaboration will further advance the discovery of new pharmaceuticals with great clinical potential.”

About Professor Botta and the University of Siena

Maurizio Botta, PhD is full Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Siena, and Adjunct Professor in Temple University’s College of Science and Technology (Philadelphia, USA). Professor Botta is author of over 300 papers, 14 patents, and more than 100 proceedings at congresses.

About Professor Maga and the Institute of Molecular Genetics

Giovanni Maga, PhD is permanent Researcher at the Institute of Molecular Genetics-CNR, Pavia. The author of numerous papers, Professor Maga’s interests include enzymology of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells, novel antiviral strategies against hepatitis C virus, development of novel anti-HIV compounds, host-pathogen interactions in viral infections, and novel targets and drugs for anticancer chemotherapy.

About Virostatics

ViroStatics srl, an Italian pharmaceutical company with operations in Sassari and Pavia, Italy and Princeton, NJ, is committed to discovering and developing novel therapeutics to address significant medical needs in HIV/AIDS, chronic infections, oncology, and related fields. The company is developing its lead HIV/AIDS product, VS411, as the first fixed-dose combination of two drugs in a new class known as “AV-HALTs (Anti-Viral Hyper-Activation Limiting Therapeutics) that not only decrease HIV replication but also protect and conserve the immune system. VS411 has completed a multinational Phase IIa clinical trial as part of the Company’s ongoing drug development program. ViroStatics has also developed novel biomarker assays and a proprietary screening methodology to rapidly and efficiently identify cytostatic agents with potential to inhibit viral replication and control the over-stimulation of the immune system now believed to drive the progression of HIV disease to AIDS. ViroStatics is committed to expanding its pipeline and product portfolio by in-licensing early- and late-stage compounds and exploring co-development opportunities that fit the Company's expertise in specialty pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals.