Cipla to pick up 14.6 p.c. stake in Chase Pharmaceuticals

Drug firm Cipla Ltd on Monday said it will invest $1.5 million to acquire 14.6 per cent stake in U.S.-based Chase Pharmaceuticals engaged in developing novel approaches to improve treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

“..Company has signed a definitive agreement to invest $1.5 million in Chase Pharmaceuticals Corporation Inc, US, to acquire 14.6 per cent stake in Chase on a fully diluted basis,” Cipla said in a BSE filing.

The investment, done through Cipla’s wholly owned subsidiary Cipla (EU) Ltd, UK, will be part of $21 million syndicate to finance Phase 2a and Phase 2b clinical trials for Chase’s lead drug CPC 201 for treating the disease.

Other investors in the syndicate are Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners and New Rhein Healthcare LLC.

“The $21 million two-phase financing will support Phase 2a and Phase 2b clinical trials for Chase’s lead drug CPC 201,” Cipla said.

The original venture funding for Chase was provided by the Brain Trust Accelerator Fund in 2010.

Commenting on the investment, Cipla Ltd MD and Global CEO Subhanu Saxena said: “This investment is consistent with Cipla New Ventures’ mission to build more innovation-led business streams for Cipla in the future.”

Elaborating on the importance of the investment, Cipla said: “In India, over 5 million patients suffer from dementia, most of whom are afflicted with Alzheimer’s. These numbers are expected to double by 2030.”

Cipla also said it will make an additional $4.5 million investment in Chase upon achievement of certain milestones in this direction.

In addition to financing Chase, Cipla will collaborate with the company to develop the drug for the disease.

“If successful, Cipla may provide low cost access to Chase’s lead drug in India and South Africa where Cipla has championed affordable access to essential and life-saving medications for decades,” the company added.

Chase is an early stage drug development company, engaged in novel approaches to improve treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

“It (Chase) has a unique patented approach and is focused on improving the efficacy, safety and tolerability of existing Alzheimer medications,” Cipla said.