ASLAN Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb announced today that they have engaged in a partnership for the rapid development and distribution of the investigational small molecule inhibitor of the MET receptor tyrosine kianase (BMS-777607) in order to treat solid tumors.

Given their shared goal of discovering innovative medicines, this relationship is not only mutually beneficial, but also very valuable to the world of medicine. Their efforts will help combat gastric cancer and lung cancer.

The MET receptor tyronise kinase is a protein that, when activated, induces cells to undergo mitosis. In several cases, the enzyme is misinformed by the body to continue to encourage cellular divisions when new cells are no longer necessary; this overproduction and abnormal growth results in a tumor.

Small molecule inhibitors bind to an enzyme to decrease or altogether impede its function. The Bristol-Myers Squibb investigational drug is a small molecule inhibitor that will be used to treat solid tumors.

Naturally, both companies have agreed to split up the rights. ASLAN Pharmaceuticals acquired the rights to advertise, fund, and run the development of BMS-777607. As an Asian company, it has acquired the right to commercialize in mainly Asian countries. Some of the countries to be targeted include China, Korea, and Taiwan. Bristol-Meyers Squibb gained exclusive commercial rights to the rest of the countries.

The financial details of the deal were not made available.

The two companies have kept their new-found blooming relationship on good terms. Dr. Carl Firth ,the CEO of ASLAN, stated “This ground-breaking partnership demonstrates how a leasing Asian drug development company can work... with a global pharmaceutical company and conduct studies.. in areas of significant need”.

Francis Cuss, the Senior Vice President of Research for Bristol-Meyers Squibb, echoed this sentiment by stating, “We are pleased to be working with ASLAN to quickly further our understanding of this compound to for use in treating solid tumors.”

Given their vast pharmaceutical development expertise, the two companies will significantly enrich each other in this endeavor.