ChemDiv - Nerviano MS successful collaboration was a hit-to-lead optimization campaign of previously discovered through HTS active molecules. The goal of the program was development of Lead compounds with confirmed efficacy in animal models (POC). The collaboration plan included chemistry optimization, in vitro biology, in vitro and in vivo DMPK, efficacy models in animals and comprehensive IP strategy – all of which were successfully executed at ChemDiv facilities. Initially, Nerviano discovered several confirmed hits by screening ChemDiv off-the-shelf collection of small molecules. To move ahead with discovered molecules, Nerviano was looking for a reliable partner who could provide resources to complete the program efficiently and by meeting aggressive deadlines.
Within extremely short period of time (9 months) and through close interactions with Nerviano’s scientists, ChemDiv team managed to rapidly move the compound from Hit level to fully patentable Lead molecules with confirmed efficacy in animals and managed to exceed customers’ expectations in achieving milestones.
This project represents a comprehensible example of harmonious collaboration between partners where ChemDiv demonstrated versatility of research approaches to outstanding challenges and delivered ultimate value to the customer.
About Nerviano MS Nerviano Medical Sciences is the largest pharmaceutical R&D facility in Italy and one of the largest oncology-focused, integrated discovery and development companies in Europe.
LEAD TO CANDIDATE
ChemDiv - Dendreon Partnership
Dendreon Corporation is a Seattle based company dedicated to discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to fight cancer. Dendreon was looking for a partner to support its TRPM8 (also known as TRPP8) inhibitor discovery program, which was identified through in-house efforts. Having lots of in-house expertise in and knowledge of immunotherapeutics, the company lacked sufficient internal resources in small-molecule drug discovery to rapidly and efficiently move the program towards a series of critical milestones put in place by Dendreon. This triggered Denderon's quest to find a reliable and experienced partner in small-molecule drug discovery, specifically with an excellent track record in medicinal chemistry. Dendreon had already worked with ChemDiv before on a number of smaller-scale chemistry projects and its decision to approach ChemDiv with a larger and therefore more challenging program was a logical step in building up relationships between two organizations. ChemDiv's expertise in custom chemistry and lead optimization solutions as well as stellar reputation in the industry has sealed the deal.
In the course of a few years, a group of dedicated ChemDiv scientists (chemists and biologists) worked hand-in-hand with Dendreon's team to advance the program to the clinical candidate stage. Looking back at major stepping stones of this collaboration's success, one would recognize the highest level of commitment of both teams to thrive through trust, resourcefulness, dedication, communication and highest level of professionalism. Currently, the lead molecule, D3263, is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for clinical evaluation in cancer patients.
About Dendreon Dendreon Corporation is a biotechnology company whose mission is to target cancer and transform lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics. Dendreon applies its expertise in antigen identification, engineering and cell processing to produce ACI product candidates designed to stimulate an immune response. Dendreon is also developing an orally-available small molecule that targets TRPM8 that could be applicable to multiple types of cancer as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Dendreon has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
CANDIDATE TO POC
ChemDiv - Avineuro Partnership
ChemDiv Inc. and Avineuro Pharmaceuticals Inc. move ahead a productive relationship in the area of neurological and psychiatric disorders. With a number of compounds in early development, Avineuro was seeking to advance these compounds through pre-clinical and early clinical development in order to generate maximally informative data package for further development and potential pharma partnering in the shortest amount of time. Full package of pre-clinical work required for 4 regulatory submissions for development candidates in Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety and Scizophrenia were completed and approved at an optimal cost point within 1 to 1,5 years from initiation to dosing in first volunteers. Next phase of safety studies included certain patient population in agreement with recommendations of Ethical Committee. Safety studies were accomplished within 2 to 4 months for all drug candidates. Proof of Concept studies were executed for 2 out of 4 molecules within 2 years from initiation of the service research programs. All clinical and pre-clinical data generated by ChemDiv in its Research Institute in Russia were used for an IND package.
By contracting with ChemDiv, Avineuro worked with an expert scientific and project management group overseeing all aspects of pre-clinical and early clinical development. Normally, a company will contract out to multiple vendors for chemistry formulation; scale up of investigational product, pre-clinical studies and clinical studies. ChemDiv has completed fully integrated drug development programs from target to Proof of Concept. ChemDiv's consistency in project management and data quality along the development of a compound has been very helpful in further Avineuro's partnering effort.
About Avineuro Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Avineuro Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops novel small molecules for unmet medical needs in neurology and psychiatry. Founded in August 2008 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Avineuro is managed by seasoned professionals experienced in drug discovery and development. By acquiring lead compounds through collaborations and partnerships, Avineuro plans to develop novel products and extend the reach of marketed compounds for indications with a significant commercial potential. Avineuro emphasizes a rational approach that combines modern medicinal chemistry with streamlined pre-clinical and clinical development studies, thus allowing a fast transition to proof-of-concept product candidates.
Target to POC Development 
