Pergamum agreed to collaborate with Cadila Pharmaceuticals to develop a new treatment for infections based on a novel targeting mechanism that is different from classical antibiotic therapy.

The two companies will work on the preclinical and clinical development of a therapeutic peptide that has been developed by Pergamum. R&D will take place at Cadila’s facilities Ahmedabad, India. Cadila will be responsible for all costs related to product development up to Phase II, and global rights will be shared between the companies.

“Pergamum has developed a new class of short synthetic peptides with both anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties derived from the body’s own defense system,” explained Jonas Ekblom, CEO of Pergamum. “There is a rapidly increasing global prevalence of antibiotics resistance that limits the therapeutic value of conventional products, and we think that we can meet this need with this novel therapeutic peptide.”

“This partnership combines Cadila’s advanced product development capabilities with the innovative capacity of Pergamum,” added Rajiv Modi, chairman and managing director of Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity for Pergamum to work with one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in India, a key emerging pharmaceutical market. The strategic value can be substantial for both parties,” noted Torbjörn Bjerke, CEO of Karolinska Development and chairman of Pergamum.

According to BCC Research, the global market for infectious disease treatments was valued at $90.4 billion in 2009. This market is expected to $138 billion in 2014.

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