Pharmacopeia, Allergan align to research AMD compounds

Pharmacopeia and Allergan Inc. have agreed to evaluate proprietary active lead compounds-which could possibly turn into a new means for treating the wet form of age-related macular degeneration.

Allergan provided Pharmacopeia-which discovered the compounds that target angiogenesis-an upfront cash payment, the companies said in a statement. Allergan said it also might be providing preclinical and clinical payments plus milestone payments and royalties on ophthalmic drugs developed by Allergan. Pharmacopeia said it has retained the rights to other therapeutic areas.

“Partnering this program, which was initiated and advanced at Pharmacopeia, with Allergan, a recognized leader in ocular diseases, is consistent with our strategy of partnering programs outside of our therapeutic focus at earlier stages when it is advantageous to do so,” said Les Browne, PhD, Pharmacopeia president and chief executive officer.