Calvert Research Licenses Novel Technology to Treat Age Related Macular Degeneration from Tulane University
Calvert Research, LLC (a unit of Calvert Holdings, Inc.) today announced the execution of a license agreement with Tulane University granting Calvert Research (through its wholly owned subsidiary, Calvert T1, LLC) certain rights to issued patents and patent applications covering a technology platform and novel compounds which have the potential to treat a debilitating eye disease known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Cary, NC (PRWEB) June 10, 2009 -- Calvert Research, LLC (a unit of Calvert Holdings, Inc.) today announced the execution of a license agreement with Tulane University granting Calvert Research (through its wholly owned subsidiary, Calvert T1, LLC) certain rights to issued patents and patent applications covering a technology platform and novel compounds which have the potential to treat a debilitating eye disease known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The patented compounds and technology licensed by Calvert T1 were developed in the laboratory of Dr. David H. Coy and his team at the Peptide Research Laboratory at Tulane University.
Calvert Research bridges the gap between early-stage technologies and pharmaceutical companies
AMD is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, affecting millions worldwide and results from the progressive deterioration of the macula, which are the light-sensitive cells of the central retina at the back of the eye. AMD is characterized by two types: a dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative) form. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina begin to grow under the macula, often leaking blood and fluid that can lead to visual distortions, a decrease or loss of central vision, and eventual blindness.
The preclinical stage compounds licensed by Calvert T1 combine the known anti-proliferative effects of a somatostatin peptide analog with a cytotoxic drug chemically linked to the peptide, resulting in a dual mechanism drug candidate designed to specifically target and kill abnormal blood vessels found in wet AMD patients.
The lead compound from this technology platform has shown activity in an animal model of AMD. Calvert T1 intends to advance it further through additional preclinical studies using its network of preferred pharmaceutical development service providers including Calvert Laboratories, Inc., a leading contract laboratory offering toxicology, pharmacology, immunology, pharmacokinetic and other preclinical services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.
Russ C. McLauchlan, Chairman and CEO of Calvert Holdings commented: "We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Dr. Coy and his colleagues at Tulane to further develop this very promising technology for the treatment of wet AMD. This disease is of growing concern to millions of people as our population ages. Calvert has a strong commitment to work with research universities such as Tulane to advance these research efforts." He added: "Calvert T1 is a continuation of investments in a range of technologies over the last several years. Other investments include the following: CureDM (Lankenau Institute) for diabetes, Auburn University for targeted drug delivery, Pinnacle Pharmaceuticals (University of Virginia) for wound healing, and AcSentient II (now owned by Ista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) for ocular hypertension/open-angle glaucoma.
About Tulane University:
Tulane University is one of the nation's leading educational and research institutions. Founded in 1834 in New Orleans, Tulane has ten schools and colleges offering degrees in architecture, business, law, liberal arts, medicine, public health and tropical medicine, the sciences and engineering, and social work.
About Calvert Research, LLC:
Established in early 2005 to work with early-stage biotechnology companies to advance their lead drug candidates, Calvert Research has further evolved to working closely with Technology Transfer executives of major universities across the country to identify, license, and develop novel compounds and technology platforms in a variety of disease areas.
About Calvert Holdings, Inc.:
Formed in 1996, Calvert Holdings, Inc. (www.calvertholdings.com) is a privately-held company consisting of a diverse portfolio of companies including the following: Calvert Laboratories, Inc.; Calvert Research, LLC; Calvert Creative, LLC; Carolina Securities, Inc. and Calvert Cafe.
Calvert Holdings is a company of people who are passionately engaged in contributing to the future well being of the planet we live on. By analyzing how emerging discoveries and current trends will affect future global needs, we position resources and apply our skills to meet them.
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