Aratana Therapeutics Inc. of Kansas City, Kan., reported today that it has entered into a license agreement with RaQualia Pharma Inc. to develop two compounds from RaQualia’s human clinical development portfolio for companion animal use. As part of the agreement, Aratana will be granted global rights for development and commercialization of the licensed animal health products. In exchange, the Japanese company will receive upfront payment, development milestones and royalties on global sales. The first compound is a selective EP-4 antagonist. Aratana reported that the compound has achieved proof of efficacy in human studies and has demonstrated efficacy in animal models for several conditions including, pain, cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The second compound, a selective Ghrelin agonist, has achieved proof of efficacy in human studies and has demonstrated efficacy in animal models for treatment of cachexia and frailty, according to Aratana. Aratana announced its entry into the animal health industry in early January, which was jump-started by $20 million in Series A financing. Related story: Aratana Enters Animal Health Industry with $20 Million in Funding <Home>
