Peptech Ltd.
Excessive levels of C5a may be associated with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, and inhibiting receptor activation may have therapeutic potential for such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, reperfusion injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The inventors developed potent, orally bioavailable C5a antagonists around which the University of Queensland formed Promics Pty. BioVentures Australia supported the company's work to test its lead compound and potential derivatives in animal models of inflammation.
In May 2006, Arana Therapeutics Ltd (formerly known as Peptech Ltd., ASX:PTD) acquired Promics. In 2009, Cephalon, Inc. acquired Arana, and the BVA Fund sold all of its Arana shares as part of this acquisition.
Inventors/Founders
David P. Fairlie, Ph.D., Stephen M. Taylor, Ph.D., Angela M. Finch, Allan K. Wong, Centre for Drug Design and Development at the University of Queensland, Australia