APEIRON Biologics AG (Apeiron) today announced that, as part of its effort to broaden its current project portfolio, it has concluded an agreement with Polymun Scientific GmbH (Polymun) granting Apeiron exclusive rights to recombinant human Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD).
SOD, a naturally occurring enzyme with important, antioxidant properties, has so far been under development as a potential therapy for various inflammatory conditions and shown signs of efficacy in first clinical trials. Initially, Apeiron will focus on clinical development of a topical formulation of SOD for treatment of certain inflammatory skin conditions such as skin damage related to cancer radiation therapy. At the same time, Apeiron will explore systemic routes of administration.
Commenting on the agreement, Hans Loibner, CEO of Apeiron, stated: "It is a great project that incorporates Apeiron`s core expertise in development of protein therapeutics, especially therapeutic enzymes. Its clinical data shows promise in a variety of conditions associated with a lack of therapeutic options. We are therefore confident that SOD will contribute substantially to Apeiron`s value base."
Hermann Katinger, founder and CEO of Polymun, added: "We are excited to partner SOD with Apeiron. I am convinced that their impressive set of capabilities and expertise will maximize our project`s therapeutic and commercial potential."
SOD is an essential endogenous, antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide and thus reduces damage to tissues. In the course of several clinical trials it has shown signs of therapeutic effects in certain inflammatory conditions, such as radiation-induced skin damage, arthritis, Crohn`s disease and Peyronie`s disease.
