Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has entered into a tripartite research and
option agreement with Israel-based Weizmann Institute of Science and Spain’s Health Research
Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS) to develop breakthrough products for the treatment of
neurological diseases like brain stroke; as well as glioblastoma, a lethal brain cancer. Scientists at
Weizmann Institute have developed a recombinant enzyme currently undergoing animal studies for
indications of brain stroke and glioblastoma. Further studies of this enzyme will be conducted at the
Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Moreover, this enzyme may potentially be
indicated for uses beyond these two brain diseases.
As per the signed triparty agreement, Sun Pharma
will have the first right to develop these additional indications.
Sun Pharma will have the exclusive option to conduct further development of the enzyme after
completion of the preclinical studies. The company will have commercial rights to this product globally.
It will also fund all future studies to be conducted on the enzyme. The tripartite research collaboration
agreement has been signed between Sun Pharma, Yeda Research & Development Company, Ltd. (the
commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science), and Fundacion Ramón Domínguez (on behalf of
IDIS). Based on outcome of animal studies, Sun Pharma will have an option to exercise rights for further
development and commercialization of the enzyme.
