P&G partner Curtis in hair loss treatment research
P&G, Curis partner in hair growth researchProcter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals has entered into a research and development agreement with Curis, Inc. to study and develop possible treatments for hair growth regulation using Curis' Hedgehog agonist technology, Curis announced Monday.
Scientists at Curis Inc. a therapeutic drug development company, have shown that small molecule Hedgehog agonists can induce hair growth.
P&G was granted a license to use the technology and Curis will have the option to co-develop, as well as retain rights to veterinary applications of the technology.
"Procter & Gamble's expertise in pharmaceutical development, combined with their solid track record in creating market-leading hair and skin care products, makes them an excellent choice as a partner for our hair program," said Daniel R. Passeri, Curis president and chief executive officer. "This is the second collaboration agreement structured to provide Curis possible co-development opportunities. Collaborating with major pharmaceutical companies to execute clinical programs is one way to build Curis' internal development capabilities to re-apply to our in-house programs."
Procter & Gamble Co. has agreed to pay Curis a $500,000 initial payment and up to $2.8 million in pre-clinical milestones, contingent upon achievement of certain pre-clinical goals.
Curis scientists showed in a February study that a small molecule Hedgehog agonist, applied to the skin, triggered hair follicles from the resting to the growth phase of the hair cycle. They concluded that it may be effective in treating hair disorders such as male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss.
About 80 million men and women in the United States suffer from hair loss.
Published September 19, 2005 by the Cincinnati Business Courier
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