The alliance involves the optimization and selection of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors from Uriach’s existing preclinical portfolio. The alliance entails a collaborative discovery program, with lead compounds from the collaboration being further developed and commercialized worldwide by Organon.

Under the terms of the agreement, Organon will perform the preclinical and clinical development of the portfolio and will hold worldwide commercialization rights for any resulting products. Uriach receives an upfront payment and will also receive milestone payments at various stages of development and royalties on future product sales. Uriach also receives an option to commercialize in the Spanish market one of Organon´s late-stage products.  Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“This collaboration constitutes a new and complementary addition to the research strategy for immunology at Organon, allowing us to combine our research and development expertise with Uriach’s expertise in the discovery and early development of kinase inhibitors”, said David Nicholson, Organon's senior vice president-global research. “This alliance adds to our strategic focus on alliance partnerships and in-licensing opportunities to boost our pipeline.”

“In line with our R&D strategy, Uriach has been seeking a partner for the worldwide development of its family of p38 MAP Kinase inhibitors”, said Enrique Uriach, chief executive officer of J.Uriach & Cia. “Inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase have the potential for helping in a significant way the numerous patients who are affected by inflammatory conditions worldwide. Organon’s global commercial reach, combined with its expertise and commitment to the project, and above all, the clear synergies between the objectives of both companies, have been the main factors that have prompted Uriach to seek this alliance. This collaboration is one more example of Uriach’s goal of forging long-lasting partnerships with other companies in development of potential drug candidates originated at Uriach’s R&D center”.

Organon - headquartered in Roseland, NJ, USA - creates and markets prescription medicines that improve the health and quality of human life. Through a combination of independent growth and business partnerships, Organon strives to become or remain one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in each of its core therapeutic fields: reproductive medicine, psychiatry and anesthesia. Organon products are sold in over 100 countries, of which more than 60 have an Organon subsidiary. Organon is the human health care business unit of Akzo Nobel.

Uriach is a private Spanish pharmaceutical company, established in 1838, with a broad commercial presence in Spain and with a world class research and development center that focuses its efforts in the early stages of drug development. Uriach’s R&D efforts are centered in the inflammation area.