| Collaboration |
OX-CLI / OX-ESI |
| Geography |
Global |
| Type of agreement |
Alliance and license agreement |
| Signed |
June 2010 |
OX-CLI
The objective of the OX-CLI project is to develop an oral, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory drug for the treatment of all stages of asthma and COPD. The target protein in the OXCLI project is the enzyme LTC4 synthase, which has a central role in the inflammatory process by acting as a catalyst in the final stage of formation of leukotrienes and eoxins, which are two groups of major pro-inflammatory mediators. Studies on mice that lack the LCT4 synthase have also shown a sharp reduction in inflammatory responses in various models for respiratory tract disorders. The broad mechanisms of action indicate that a better therapeutic effect could be attained using an LCT4 synthase inhibitor rather than with current oral treatments using leukotriene inhibitors such as montelukast (Singulair®).
OX-ESI
The objective of project OX-ESI is to develop a compound that inhibits the 15-lipoxygenase enzyme (15-LO). This enzyme appears to have a key role in the inflammatory process through, for example, the formation of eoxins and is present in larger amounts in lung tissue among smokers and patients with bronchitis or asthma than among healthy non-smokers.
The objective of the OX-ESI project is to develop an oral, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory compound for the treatment of asthma, COPD and other inflammatory illnesses.
About Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals/Janssen Pharmaceutica
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and Janssen Pharmaceutica are each part of Johnson & Johnson, within the company's worldwide research and development centre, the Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development (J&J PRD). They conduct research and development activities related to a wide range of human medical disorders, including mental illness, neurological disorders, anaesthesia and analgesia, gastrointestinal disorders, fungal infection, allergies and cancer. They are both healthcare companies that draw on the rich patient care heritage of Johnson & Johnson. Both of these pharmaceutical companies are pioneers and leaders in various areas such as pain management, acid reflux disease and infectious diseases that remain central to Johnson & Johnson today.