European Patent Awarded for CCR5 Chemokine Receptor, a Crucial Target for Novel AIDS Therapy

ICOS extends the Joint patent estate with Euroscreen in Europe

Brussels, Belgium (PRWEB) November 15, 2005 -- Euroscreen SA today announced the issuance of a key European patent to ICOS Corporation (“ICOS”) (Nasdaq: ICOS), which protects the CCR5 chemokine receptor. Euroscreen has exclusive worldwide rights to the ICOS CCR5 patent estate, which includes this new patent, under a previous license agreement with ICOS.

The CCR5 receptor plays a central role in the mechanism by which human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binds to and enters white blood cells, and therefore represents a key target in the search for effective novel treatments for HIV infection and AIDS. Small molecule as well as antibody therapies targeting CCR5 are potential approaches to blocking HIV entry.

The European patent (0 811 063 B1) relates in particular to (i) CCR5 research tools (DNA and polypeptide sequences, vectors and cell line), (ii) screening methods to single out compounds which can be used in the treatment of HIV infection, (iii) antibodies which bind to the human CCR5 receptor and (iv) uses of such antibodies in the treatment of HIV infection.

Pursuant to an agreement dated January 2003, Euroscreen and ICOS combined their respective patent estates with regards to CCR5 technology. This combination built a comprehensive patent portfolio for CCR5 which enables Euroscreen to offer the rights to companies who are developing therapeutic drugs as well as antibodies that block the CCR5 receptor.

The CCR5 receptor and its role in HIV infection as well as inflammatory diseases
The CCR5 receptor belongs to a family of cell membrane proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Specifically, CCR5 is found on the surface of T cells (white blood cells), which form part of the human immune system. The protein consists of 352 amino acids and spans the T-cell membrane seven times. Under normal circumstances, CCR5 binds certain proteins known as chemokines, which act as chemical attractants recruiting immune cells to sites of inflammation.
CCR5 is considered as a drug target in the field of HIV, but also in a growing number of inflammatory diseases. The potential of CCR5 as a key target for several therapies is very promising due to the significant safety profile already seen for both small molecule and antibody drug candidates presently in human clinical trials for HIV from a number of companies and will soon also enter clinical trials for the treatment of other disorders such as graft rejection, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

For further information, please contact:

Euroscreen s.a.   Tel: +32 71 348 500      

Pierre Nokin, Ph.D.
President and CEO

Vincent Lannoy, Ph.D.
Business Development and Licensing Manager

About Euroscreen SA

Euroscreen is a world leader in G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The Company integrates its research expertise in this area with its patented high-throughput AequoScreen™ cellular assay platform to patent new GPCR targets and drug candidates.

The Company is building its own patent portfolio of GPCR targets and novel drug leads for licensing to biopharmaceutical companies, and to date has agreements with Amersham/GE Healthcare, Cephalon, ChemDiv, Evotec, ICOS, Merck & Co, Pfizer Inc, Solvay, Syngenta and UCB. Euroscreen has also established collaborations with numerous academic centers for access to licenses to help in making available its broad menu of GPCR-based products (recombinant cell lines and membrane preparations) and services (custom screening and cloning).

Euroscreen has grown significant and strong patent positions to protect many key drug targets for licensing. Such patents include CCR5, ChemR23, GPR43, GPR7/8, purinergic receptors (P2Y4, P2Y11 and P2Y13) and SHIP2 for type II diabetes. Euroscreen is able to offer intellectual property rights to companies for the development of therapeutic drugs that act through the above-mentioned targets. For more information regarding the Euroscreen’s portfolio, please contact Dr. Vincent Lannoy.

Euroscreen is a privately held company based in Brussels, Belgium with 80 employees of which 50 are in R&D.

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