Cadila Pharmaceuticals and Pergamum AB recently announced a strategic collaboration to develop a novel treatment of infections with a unique targeting mechanism clearly distinguished from classical antibiotics. The development will be conducted at the facilities of Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd in Ahmedabad, India. Cadila will be responsible for all costs related to the development of the product up to Phase II and global rights will be shared between the companies.Pergamum is part of the Karolinska Development portfolio.

Infections caused by resistant microorganisms often fail to respond to conventional treatment, resulting in prolonged illness and greater risk of death. There is a significant need for safe and effective new products to avoid infections.

"Pergamum has developed a new class of short synthetic peptides with both anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties derived from the body's own defense system. There is a rapidly increasing global prevalence of antibiotics resistance that limits the therapeutic value of conventional products, and we think that we can meet this need with this novel therapeutic peptide", says Mr Jonas Ekblom, CEO of Pergamum.

"This partnership combines Cadila's advanced product development capabilities with the innovative capacity of Pergamum. Cadila Pharmaceuticals bring their expertise in drug development and demonstrates that commitment towards developing affordable innovative compounds to the market in this collaboration," says Mr Rajiv Modi, chairman and managing director of Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

"We are delighted to see this collaboration between Cadila and Pergamum. This is a phenomenal opportunity for Pergamum to work with one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in India, a key emerging pharmaceutical market. The strategic value can be substantial for both parties," commented Mr Torbjörn Bjerke, CEO of Karolinska Development AB and chairman of Pergamum AB.

The establishment of this cooperation was facilitated by Dr CB Sanjeevi of Karolinska Institutet and Business Sweden.