Active Biotech and Chelsea Therapeutics in Collaboration

Active Biotech AB and Chelsea Therapeutics International have signed an agreement to co-develop and commercialize the I-3D portfolio of orally active compounds inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, DHODH, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.

The I-3D portfolio developed by Active Biotech consists of an extensive library of therapeutic compounds that have demonstrated, during preclinical testing, potent inhibition of DHODH activity while maintaining pharmaco kinetic and safety properties superior to the marketed DHODH inhibitor. Inhibition of DHODH is the rate-limiting step in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, which is required for the proliferation of T-cells during clonal expansion. Potential indications for drug candidates in this library include transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Of the compounds in this portfolio, more than 15 compounds have been isolated and undergone extensive preclinical modelling, including two lead compounds with the potential to be in clinical trials early in 2007.

For further information please contact:

Cecilia Hofvander,
Manager Corporate Communication
Tel: +46 46 19 11 22
Email: cecilia.hofvander@activebiotech.com

Or visit: www.activebiotech.com