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Medivir develops compounds that block the activity of proteases (a class of enzyme), known as protease inhibitors. Previously, Medivir's main focus was on compounds that aimed to block another class of enzyme, polymerases. Medivir's prioritized research projects, of which the majority are based on protease inhibitors, mainly target the markets against labial herpes, hepatitis C, HIV, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, skeletal metastases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and high blood pressure.
Focus on protease inhibitors
Over the last five years, Medivir has made substantial investments in human capital and equipment in order to consolidate research skills relating to protease inhibitors with the aim of targeting major wide-spread diseases. The company now considers itself to be the global leader in terms of expertise in this area.
Since 2004, there have been only limited initiatives aimed at preparing the polymerase projects for further development under outside management. A new subsidiary, Medivir HIV Franchise AB, was established in December 2005, with the aim of securing the divestment or outlicensing of all compounds based on polymerase technology against HIV, hepatitis B and shingles. All these compounds are now outlicensed to partners for further development.
In December 2006, a decision was reached to focus Medivir's research operations to Sweden by transferring operations from the UK company. From a project perspective, the timing of this rationalization was optimal as these projects matured in the year and can now be run entirely from the Huddinge facility.
Project portfolio
Medivir's project portfolio comprises 14 projects, for more information about the different projects, click on Projects Medivir AB and Projects Medivir Franchise AB. Of these five are in the clinical development phase, five in the authority regulated part of preclinical development and five are in earlier preclinical development. Of Medivir's projects, ten are currently run in collaboration with a partner, of which four are in the clinical development phase.
In addition to the projects there is also early-stage activity in the protease inhibitor area in collaboration with partners or in networks with a range of universities. These early activities aim to secure a continual flow of new ideas and thereby secure the long-term supply of new projects for Medivir.
Prioritized projects
The projects that are prioritized by Medivir are largely proteasebased projects that are run and administrated by Medivir AB. Medivir HIV Franchise AB assumes responsibility for the outlicensed polymerase-based projects.
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