Ergomed teams with Genzyme for oncology drug

Frankfurt, Germany-based Ergomed has signed an agreement with US biotechnology major Genzyme for the co-development of tasidotin, a novel  dolastatin analogue that has shown efficacy in previous oncology trials.

As part of the deal, Ergomed will advance the oral formulation of  tasidotin, developed by Genzyme, into clinical trials. In an earlier  Phase II study, the intravenous formulation of the drug demonstrated  clinical activity in patients with melanoma.

"Tasidotin has a promising future with established human clinical safety  and a solid rationale for efficacy against particular cancers," said  Ergomed chief executive Miroslav Reljanovic. "We are delighted to have  signed our second development license agreement in line with our stated  strategy for Ergomed's Product Development Division to assist both  biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners in the successful clinical  development of drug candidates," he added.