Domain Therapeutics grants Prexton option to develop mGluR4 PAMs for Parkinson's disease

France-based Biopharmaceutical Company Domain Therapeutics has granted an exclusive option to Prexton Therapeuticsto license and develop metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) Positive Allostric Modulator (PAM) drugs targeting Parkinson’s disease.

The chemical series was earlier developed through a licensing and collaboration agreement signed between Domain and Merck Serono, a division of Merck (Darmstadt, Germany) in January 2011.

The agreement between Domain Therapeutics and Prexton Therapeutics- a spinoff company of Merck Serono formed around its R&D portfolio in the field of Parkinson’s disease follows a strategic decision from Merck Serono to focus its research efforts on certain dieseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

As per the terms of the deal, Prexton will benefit from an exclusive license option to progress the mGluR4 PAM drug candidates into clinical development.  Pascal Neuville, Chief Executive Officer, Domain Therapeutics said, “We are pleased to sign this agreement with former seasoned scientists of Merck Serono, who had been involved in this mGluR4 PAM project within Merck Serono.” Mr. Neuville also said, “We are very confident that this newly founded company with a unique focus on mGluRs for neurodegenerative diseases will be the best partner to drive the project to an Investigational New Drug (IND) stage and then ensure its clinical development.”

François Conquet, Chief Executive Officer, Prexton Therapeutics, said, “I had the opportunity to follow Domain’s mGluR4PAM compounds and I am very glad that we can benefit from the collaborative work led by Domain and Merck Serono.” Mr. Francois adds, “This license option agreement clearly strengthens Prexton’s franchise in the business of mGluR drugs.”

Domain Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Strasbourg, France. This company is dedicated to the discovery and early developmentof small molecules targeting G-Protein Coupled Receptors.

Prexton Therapeutics has the mission of developing innovative drugs to improve the quality of life of people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders. It has the expertise to design novel mGluR4 compounds as new treatment for Parkinson’s disease.