Ausio Pharmaceuticals has strengthened its patent portfolio by licensing a compound for nononcology applications from cancer drug developer Marshall Edwards (NASDAQ:MSHL).
Cincinnati-based Ausio is developing a drug, now called AUS-131, to treat vasomotor symptoms (night sweats and hot flashes) in postmenopausal women and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) in men. The drug is currently in phase 2a trials that are expected to be completed this year.
In the licensing deal, Ausio gets patents to develop, manufacture and sell products utilizing the isoflavone metabolite known as equol for nononcology applications, according to a statement from San Diego- based Marshall Edwards. The San Diego company will receive royalty payments from the sales of any products from Ausio that contain equol.
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Isoflavones are a class of organic compounds that are similar in structure to estrogen. They can be used to promote or reduce the activity of estrogen.
Ausio says its drug candidate could offer a safer alternative with fewer side effects than estrogen therapy. The company is looking for development and commercialization partners for the drug.
Ausio CEO Richard Jackson declined comment.
Ausio was founded in 2006 and based on technologies licensed from the Australian Health and Nutrition Association and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Ausio focuses on developing drugs for “the aging population.”
