August 7, 1998

Terumo licenses proprietary anti-platelet drug

Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation (president: Takashi Wachi) has recently approved an exclusive license, both in Japan and internationally, to Tokyo-based Japan Tobacco Inc. (president: Masaru Mizuno) for a new anti-platelet drug (fibrinogen receptor antagonist, development No. TRM - 147) currently under development. The contract gives Japan Tobacco exclusive rights for future development, manufacturing and marketing of the new drug.

Pre-clinical trials have been completed for TRM - 147, which was originated by Terumo as an anti-platelet drug.

TRM - 147 works as an antagonist to GPIIb/IIIa, a receptor of fibrinogen on the platelet membrane, at the final stage of platelet agglutination. This drug can be administered orally.

Due to its selective action on platelets, it is expected to be effective in treating various ischemic diseases involving platelet thrombosis, such as arteriosclerosis obliterans, Buerger disease, unstable angina, and restenosis following PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty).