Hospitals

Cleveland Clinic sells license option on cancer drugs to Austrian firm

Austria-based Apeiron Biologics has acquired an option to license several cancer-treating drug candidates from Cleveland Clinic for an unspecified amount.

Austria-based Apeiron Biologics has acquired an option to license several cancer-treating drug candidates from Cleveland Clinic for an unspecified amount.

The drug candidates, which are designed to fight cancer based on stimulation of the immune system, have shown favorable results in animal testing, according to a statement from Apeiron.

“We regard the compounds developed at Cleveland Clinic as an attractive opportunity since they are designed to activate the patient’s own immune system,” said Apeiron CEO Hans Loibner.

Apeiron was founded in 2003 and licensed a respiratory drug to GlaxoSmithKline last year. GSK also acquired a minority stake in the company.

Privately held Apeiron has several other cancer drugs under development.