TransMID^TM is based on the modified diphtheria toxin, which is capable of selectively killing cancer cells.  A completed Phase II study conducted in the US showed highly promising clinical response rates and an improvement in survival times in patients with recurrent brain cancer.

The Nycomed license covers TransMID^TM in all its potential brain cancer indications including metastatic brain cancer and extends to all the European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, the CIS and a number of East European countries.
 
Nycomed and KS Biomedix will co-fund the development of TransMID^TM for each indication and Nycomed will be responsible for product registration and marketing of TransMID^TM in Europe.  A Phase III trial for the lead indication, recurrent high grade glioma, is due to commence in North America and Europe in Q4 of 2002.

Conclusion of this licensing agreement is a milestone in the TransMID^TM development programme.  Nycomed has a large and experienced hospital sales force capable of ensuring the product achieves wide market reach across Europe.  Nycomed will also contribute regulatory and clinical expertise which should drive patient recruitment into the European arm of the Phase III trial and facilitate the submission of registration documents in Europe.

The agreement with KS Biomedix fits well with Nycomed’s plans to in-license and launch specialised and sophisticated hospital pharmaceuticals across Europe. Earlier this year Nycomed entered a collaboration with The Medicines Company for the marketing of the direct thrombin inhibitor ANGIOMAX® in Europe.

KS Biomedix has licensed TransMID^TM to Sosei Co. Ltd in Japan but will retain the marketing rights for the US.

KS Biomedix Holdings plc Tel: +44 (0) 1483 307500
Steven Powell, Chief Executive Officer 
 
Nycomed Group Tel: +45 46 77 11 11
Kerstin Valinder, SVP Business Development