RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (TASE: RDHL) has signed a collaboration agreement with Quest Diagnostics Inc. (NYSE: DGX) to develop a diagnostic test for diagnostic test for mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) bacteria in the blood for in patients with Crohn's disease. The agreement is part of RedHill's preparations for clinical trials of its drug RHB-104 for this indication.
RedHill is planning a Phase III clinical trial of RHB-104 in Europe and a Phase II/III clinical trial of the drug in the US, to be carried out this year.
In September 2011, RedHill acquired the exclusive rights to a patent-protected diagnostic test for MAP bacteria from the University of Central Florida Research Foundation Inc. (UCF). MAP bacteria are a suspected trigger of the disease in 40-50% of carriers. The figure is still controversial. RedHill believes that it will have a greater chance of positive results in its clinical trials if it only recruits Crohn's disease patients with MAP bacteria.
Development of the MAP bacteria diagnostic test will include writing the diagnostic test protocols, adapting the diagnostic test for the test, and developing and carrying out other aspects of the test for the clinical trials.
RedHill's share price fell 4.3% by early afternoon to NIS 2.05, giving a market cap of NIS 108 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 15, 2012
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