20th Feb 2007 07:01
BTG PLC20 February 2007 BTG acquires novel opioid agonist for post-operative pain control from CLLPharma London, UK 20 February 2007: BTG plc (LSE: BGC), the medical innovationscompany, today announces that it has acquired an opioid agonist for the controlof post-operative pain from CLL Pharma, the drug development company based inNice, France, in return for undisclosed milestone and royalty payments. The compound, to be called BTG6001, is an orally active opioid agonist with along duration of action, potentially reducing the amount of analgesic requiredfor effective pain control. Owing to its unique receptor profile, BTG6001 isalso expected to show a superior side effect profile compared with currentopiate analgesics. BTG plans to complete preclinical development and initiatePhase I clinical studies during 2008. Louise Makin, BTG's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We believe BTG6001 hassignificant advantages over current opiates and we plan to develop it forpost-operative pain control and potentially other pain indications. Thisacquisition is in line with our objective of building a strong developmentpipeline in selected therapy areas, including neuroscience and oncology." CLL Pharma's Chief Executive, Claude Laruelle, commented: "CLL Pharma is seekingto realise the value of its portfolio of products in pain and oncology. We aredelighted to have reached this agreement with BTG and are seeking partners forother programmes. We believe BTG is an excellent partner for this programme." For further information contact: BTG Financial DynamicsAndy Burrows, Director of Investor Relations Ben Atwell/Anna Keeble+44 (0)20 7575 1741; mobile: +44 (0)7990 530605 +44 (0)20 7831 3113Christine Soden, Chief Financial Officer+44 (0)20 7575 1591 About BTG BTG in-licenses, develops and commercialises pharmaceuticals and other medicaltechnologies. With a substantial and growing revenue stream of royalties andmilestone payments from out-licensed products, BTG continues to strengthen itspipeline of preclinical and clinical development programmes. Active in thefields of oncology, diseases of ageing, neuroscience, drug repositioning andmedical devices, BTG works from its offices in London, Philadelphia and Osakawith a global partner network of healthcare companies and researchorganisations. For further information, visit: www.btgplc.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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