Trimeris, ChemBridge Sign Antiviral Drug Agreement

Trimeris and ChemBridge Research Laboratories (CRL) have signed a collaborative agreement to discover and develop small molecule entry inhibitors of HIV.

Under the terms of the agreement, Trimeris will work with CRL to identify small molecule inhibitor compounds against two HIV entry targets, gp41 and gp120. The companies will collaborate to identify orally active lead compounds and then optimize preclinical candidates.

Trimeris will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing, regulatory and commercial activities on a worldwide basis for all compounds and products resulting from the collaboration. Trimeris will provide funding to CRL to support medicinal chemistry efforts, and CRL will work exclusively with Trimeris on these programs. CRL will be eligible to receive milestone payments based on the achievement of specific development and commercial events, and may also be eligible to receive royalties on net product sales.