Businessweek

Array BioPharma Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted small-molecule drugs to treat patients afflicted with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Proprietary Programs ARRY-520 — KSP (Kinesin spindle protein) Program for Multiple Myeloma (MM): ARRY-520 is a potent, selective KSP inhibitor. Its mechanism of action is distinct from other drugs used to treat MM. ARRY 614 — p38/Tie2 Program for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): ARRY-614's dual p38/Tie2 inhibitor offers a unique mechanism of action for the treatment of MDS. p38 and Tie2 are dysregulated in the bone marrow of patients with MDS. ARRY-614 inhibits inflammation and cytokine-dependent tumor growth in preclinical models. ARRY-797 — p38 Program for Pain: p38 regulates production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1, both mediators of inflammation, and PGE2, a significant mediator of pain. ARRY-797 is an oral, selective p38 inhibitor with a mechanism of action unique from that of approved pain medications. ARRY-502 — CRTh2 Program for Asthma: ARRY-502, an oral CRTh2 antagonist, has the potential to be an effective treatment for patients with asthma, particularly those with severe disease. Strategy The company’s strategies include the following: invent targeted small molecule drugs that are either first-in-class or second generation drugs that demonstrate a competitive advantage over drugs currently on the market or in clinical development; selectively develop and commercialize drugs to maximize their overall value; and implement a partnering strategy in which the company retains U.S. commercial and/or co-promotion rights for drugs that can be distributed through a therapeutically specialized sales force and partner select early-stage programs for continued research and development to receive research funding plus significant milestone payments and royalties. Collaborations Amgen – The company entered into a worldwide strategic collaboration with Amgen in 2009 to develop and commercialize glucokinase activator, AMG 151, which is in Phase 2 development for Type 2 diabetes, and to discover potential back-up compounds for AMG 151. ASLAN Pharmaceuticals – The company entered into a collaboration and license agreement with ASLAN Pharmaceuticals in 2011 to develop the company’s HER2 / EGFR inhibitor, ASLAN001, which is in a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with gastric cancer. AstraZeneca – In 2003, the company entered into a collaboration and license agreement with AstraZeneca under which AstraZeneca received a license to three of MEK inhibitors for cancer, including selumetinib, which is in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. Celgene – The company entered into a worldwide strategic collaboration agreement with Celgene in 2007 focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics in cancer and inflammation. Genentech – The company entered into a worldwide strategic collaboration agreement with Genentech in 2003 and is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics. The other programs under this collaboration are in preclinical development. In August 2011, the company entered into an oncology partnership with Genentech for the development of each company's small-molecule Checkpoint kinase 1 (ChK-1) program. Novartis – The company entered into a worldwide strategic collaboration with Novartis in 2010 to develop and commercialize MEK inhibitor, MEK162, and other MEK inhibitors identified in the agreement. MEK162 is in Phase 1b and Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with cancer. InterMune – The company entered into a collaboration with InterMune in 2002, which resulted in the joint discovery of danoprevir, a novel small molecule inhibitor of the Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A protease. Roche Holding AG acquired danoprevir from InterMune in 2010. Danoprevir is in Phase 2b clinical trials. Regulations The company is subject to other regulations, including regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, and regulations under other federal, state and local laws. Significant Events In March 2013, Array BioPharma, Inc. and Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. announced a multi-target drug discovery collaboration agreement to identify small molecule lead compounds targeting chronic blood-based diseases. History Array BioPharma Inc. was founded in 1998.