Celera not inhibited by triptases

The triptase inhibition program of Bayer AG and the former Axys Pharmaceuticals Inc. has run into multiple problems with formulation and toxicology since it was started in 1994. But Celera Genomics Group, which acquired Axys in 2001, continues to believe the rationale behind triptase inhibition: that it should block mast cell-mediated hyper-responsiveness and bronchoconstriction in asthma. CRA last week reacquired the program as its first step to an internal drug development capability.

CRA (Rockville, Md.) purchased rights to the program from Bayer (FSE:BAYG; BAY, Leverkusen, Germany), thereby terminating the 1994 development agreement between the pharma company and Arris Pharmaceutical Corp., which later became part of Axys. "We've watched these compounds for years, and there have been hurdles, which have made others drop out. But we are acquiring a series of compounds, the lead of which has a clean toxicology profile so far," said David Block, COO of CRA...