Pfizer licenses gene for possible AMD therapy

New York-Pfizer Inc. has acquired the worldwide license to a novel human gene that could have the potential to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Under the deal with Quark Biotech Inc., Pfizer will develop the gene, called RTP-801, and molecules that modify it, to treat wet AMD. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Quark Biotech, a Fremont, CA-based company with research facilities in Fremont and Israel, combines gene silencing and DNA microarray technology to identify target genes and proteins related to the cause or progression of a disease. It is working on potential treatments for dyslipidemia and fibrotic and ischemic diseases of the eye and kidneys, including diabetic retinopathy.