Debiopharm Group and Ascenta Therapeutics have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement concerning the development and commercialization of AT-406 (called Debio 1143 by Debiopharm) a small molecule IAP inhibitor currently in phase I development. By targeting inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, AT-406 (or Debio 1143) can induce cancer cell death and/or potentiate the efficacy of other treatments and is expected to be effective in the treatment of various cancers in combination with anti-cancer therapies.

"We are very excited about this collaboration with Ascenta Therapeutics. This company has an impressive scientific team and expertise in the field of apoptosis", said Dr. Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and founder of Debiopharm. He continued, "it should be possible to combine AT-406 (or Debio 1143) with other pro-apoptotic agents, which can potentially bring huge benefits to patients by enhancing the efficiency of the treatment."