Thompson Reuters will lend some of its scientific and clinical data and analysis methods to power startup NuMedii’s mission to find new uses for old drugs through a new strategic partnership.
Stanford University spinout NuMedii has developed an analytics system that identifies high-potential new indications for FDA-approved drugs. It works with CROs to validate promising matches in preclinical tests, and then partners with specialty pharmaceutical companies to continue clinical development. It inked its first deal, with Aptalis Pharma, last year.
NuMedii founder and CEO Gini Deshpande said in a statement that the strategic partnership with the Intellectual Property & Science arm of Thompson Reuters would allow the company to “turbo-charge our search and discovery of new applications for existing therapies.”
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
So far, three papers have been published showing the promise of the technology’s matchmaking abilities. In September, Stanford University researchers said a class of antidepressants showed activity in experimental models of small-cell lung cancer.
NuMedii execs said the company will be responsible for any drug development programs that result from the collaboration, and Thomson Reuters will share in associated future revenues.
Five-year-old NuMedii raised $3.5 million from Claremont Creek Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Life Science Angels this summer to prepare its first three drug development programs for clinical testing.
