Compounds with Potential Use in Treatment of Cancer, HIV and Hepatitis C Donated to University of Arizona Foundation by Procter & Gamble
TUCSON, Nov. 4, 2002 - The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) today donated to the University of Arizona (UA) Foundation 33 patents and accompanying intellectual property related to a portfolio of compounds that have been tested in preclinical studies and potentially may have application in the treatment of cancer, HIV and Hepatitis C. Further research on these compounds will be conducted by the UA College of Pharmacy and the Arizona Cancer Center. Currently, millions of people worldwide suffer from cancer, HIV and Hepatitis C.
This portfolio of compounds includes the compounds FB636 and FB642, for potential use in the treatment of multiple types of cancer and HIV, and PG-301029, for the potential use in the treatment of Hepatitis C. Pre-clinical and initial clinical studies have suggested these compounds may be active against many forms of cancer as well as viral infections. As the new sole owners of the technology, the UA will benefit from all future revenues if the compounds can be successfully developed and commercialized.
"P&G's gift arms us with potential weapons in the fight against cancer, HIV and Hepatitis C," said J. Lyle Bootman, Ph.D., Dean of the UA College of Pharmacy. "Our internationally recognized pharmaceutical research team will pursue the development of potentially life-saving treatments that could have broad and meaningful applications for millions of patients worldwide."
"P&G's mission is to improve lives every day. We recognize the tremendous potential of this gift, and are confident that the University of Arizona is more than qualified to bring this portfolio forward," said Gordon Brunner, former chief technology officer at Procter & Gamble. "With its world-class reputation in the clinical development of novel cancer treatments and extensive expertise in drug formulation, the University of Arizona's College of Pharmacy and Arizona Cancer Center will continue the development of this portfolio of compounds so that it may one day improve the lives of those diagnosed with cancer or viral disease.
P&G currently is focusing its health care R&D in other promising therapeutic areas. The company hired an outside consultant to choose the most qualified institution to further develop and commercialize these compounds. The UA was chosen because of its expertise in cancer research and drug formulation. Once at the UA, the compounds will require formulation development and substantial clinical testing.
About FB642 and FB636
FB642 is a compound for the potential treatment of patients suffering from certain types of cancer or HIV. FB642 appears to demonstrate a novel mechanism of action to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. In addition, both FB642 and the FB636 compound show promise for the treatment of HIV, the precursor to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). These compounds may represent a new class of anti-HIV pharmaceuticals based on their novel mechanism of action.
About PG-301029
PG-301029 is a novel antiviral compound that shows promise for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Preclinical studies suggest that PG-301029's distinctive mechanism of action directly interferes with the production of the Hepatitis C virus.
"We are thrilled that the Arizona Cancer Center will be able to continue the development of these technologies and move them from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside," said Daniel Von Hoff, M.D., F.A.C.P., director of the Arizona Cancer Center at the UA. "Partnering the research expertise at the UA with this donation from P&G underscores the importance of innovative public/private partnerships in health care research. The outcome of this donation could result in breakthrough medical treatments for patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases."
About The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy
Founded in 1947, the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy currently is ranked seventh among more than 90 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The College is ranked second in the nation in total National Institutes of Health research expenditures, in excess of $9 million annually. Home to four centers of research excellence, the College actively involves undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in work that advances the quality of human health and strengthens Arizona's economy. For more information, go to www.pharmacy.arizona.edu.
About the Arizona Cancer Center
Founded in 1976, the Arizona Cancer Center is one of a small, prestigious network of comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Comprehensive status is the highest ranking the NCI gives to cancer centers. This special designation means that the center focuses not only on basic science research and clinical (patient-oriented) research, but also on prevention, control, and population sciences. In addition, comprehensive centers serve a role in their communities and regions, usually through outreach, education, and information activities. For more information, go to www.arizonacancercenter.org.
About Procter & Gamble (P&G)
P&G's External Business Development and Global Licensing organization is charged with ensuring the company maximizes the value of its "treasure trove" of technologies by selling, licensing and, in some cases, donating these technologies. The unit also is responsible for licensing select P&G brand trademarks. For more information, go to www.pg.com.
