Nortran Pharmaceuticals take Option to Oxford

1st January 2009

A novel structural basis for class III anti-arrhythmia therapeutic molecules has been identified by research within Oxford University's Department of Pharmacology.

Drs Terrar, Gill & Mamas have synthesised and tested molecules combining potassium and calcium channel blocking activity. The novel molecular structures have been shown to demonstrate anti-arrhythmic activity. Through careful modulation of their potassium and calcium ion blocking properties, via precise molecular composition, these new compounds have the promise of at least matching the best of the currently available class III drugs but with the added benefit of minimal, if any, pro-arrhythmic side effects.

Nortran Pharmaceuticals Inc. have taken an option to the Oxford technology. Nortran is a Canadian pharmaceutical company built around a proven approach to drug discovery, a low-risk business strategy, and a focus on major unmet medical needs through expertise in the area of ion channels. Current Nortran drugs in development target life-threatening arrhythmia of the heart and intractable cough. Nortran works in the cardiovascular, and respiratory areas with its lead programs in the area of cardiac arrhythmia drugs and acute unproductive cough. In its program to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, Nortran has developed drug candidates suitable for clinical testing as treatments for atrial arrhythmia.

Nortran’s Sheila Grant says “We are very excited by the promise of the Oxford work. Nortran and Oxford will be working together in the next few months to validate the technology. It is hoped to enter a full licensing agreement once critical evaluation steps have been completed.”

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