Bristol-Myers Squibb and Calibr collaborate to develop anti-fibrotic therapies

WASHINGTON - Jan. 5, 2015 - PRLog -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company  and the California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) have announced their plans to collaborate on research and development for small molecule anti-fibrotic treatments.  Bristol Myers Squibb has acquired the licensing agreement to manufacture and commercialize preclinical compounds developed by Calibr.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb’s collaboration with Calibr further strengthens our Specialty portfolio and advances the company’s fibrotic diseases pipeline with the addition of this promising program,” said Carl Decicco, Ph.D., Head of Discovery, R&D, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Calibr’s innovative discovery program in fibrosis represents an opportunity to develop new treatment approaches for patients.”

“Progressing our small molecule anti-fibrotic program toward the clinic represents a critical step in our mission to deliver therapies for unmet medical needs to patients,” said Peter G. Schultz, Ph.D., Institute Director and Founder of Calibr. “We are delighted to accelerate these efforts by partnering with Bristol-Myers Squibb.”

Fibrotic diseases have been a key area of focus for Bristol Myers Squibb and are a part of their R & D initiative to concentrate on areas of unmet medical need. Calibr will provide a biomedical platform to identify and optimize small molecules with anti-fibrotic activity by utilizing its screening, target identification, and preclinical drug discovery infrastructure. Bristol-Myers Squibb’s current developmental portfolio consists of BMS-986020, a lysophosphatidic acid 1 (LPA1) receptor antagonist in Phase 2 development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and a CCR2/5 dual antagonist in Phase 2 development for diabetic kidney disease. The company has also inked a deal with Galecto Biotech AB to acquire rights to TD139, a novel inhaled inhibitor of galectin-3 in Phase 1 development for the treatment of IPF and other pulmonary fibrotic conditions.

Pending customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Calibr expect the transaction will close during the first quarter of 2015.

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