Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry Prof. Roger Kornberg chooses the Israeli companies in which he is involved very carefully. Even though he is an ardent Zionist, and knows many Israeli companies well, he has only served on the boards of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) and Protalix Biotherapeutics Inc. (AMEX:PLX; TASE: PLX).
"Cancer begins with inflammation"
Kornberg has recently joined OphthaliX Inc., Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.'s (TASE:CFBI) spin-off in the ophthalmic industry. "I met Can-Fite's founder, Prof. Pnina Fishman," Kornberg said in an exclusive "Globes" interview. "She explained the company's science program, and I was quite impressed." Can-Fite targets adenosine receptors, which are important control mechanisms in cancer cells, the immune system and the eyes. " OphthaliX develops ophthalmic products, and the Dry Eye Syndrome product is especially exciting because it is almost ready for market.
"I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg, because these receptors have many implications," Kornberg says. "Can-Fite might create additional spin-offs in new areas in the future. I have not spoken with the company about this, but I know they are aware of the potential."
How is it possible that the same drug, in the same form, can treat Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, as well as inflammatory diseases, and a derivative that is almost identical to it can treat cancer and viral diseases?
Kornberg: "In many cases, Dry Eye Syndrome is inflammatory. Today, it is believed that cancer also begins with inflammation. It may take some changes in molecules to realize the full potential of the drug in the future."
Are there other companies around the globe that are working on the same project?
"Yes, but as far as I know none of them is close to being marketed."
As a Protalix board member over the last four years, what is the company's vision for the future?
"I have high hopes for Protalix. It has created an important niche for itself, and is being managed properly."
Why has the FDA been giving it problems?
"There have not been any serious problems. The FDA even requested that development be accelerated when there was a shortage of the product. Only when the shortage ended did the FDA request additional information. Protalix is now on the verge of receiving FDA approval. "
As a Teva board member, you have been part of the discussions that led to the appointment of a new CEO to replace Shlomo Yanai.
"I can only say that Teva is continuing to grow from quarter to quarter thanks to excellent managers. I have no criticism of the company."
In your opinion, is the pipeline of new products strong enough to compete with the large pharmaceutical companies?
"The entire industry is suffering from a lack of innovative products, but this is a temporary problem. I believe that chemistry is going to see a few breakthroughs in the near future that will lead to a wave of new drugs. In the past, Teva's drug development was based on the imitation of existing drugs with small changes, such as with antibiotics. Later on, Teva discovered new drugs by accident or through the screening of known molecules, but this screening is not fast or effective enough. Now, for the first time, we can develop drugs based upon the understanding of how the body functions, and to plan a computer-based solution."
This approach sounds similar to the technology on which Compugen Ltd. (Nasdaq: CGEN; TASE: CGEN) and Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (Nasdaq:ROSG) are based. These companies have yet to show results in the form of new drugs.
"Compugen has excellent people, who have had to deal with real science and techology challenges. The industry is just starting to solve these problems thanks to breakthroughs in computing as well as in chemistry.
"But I am referring to the entire pharmaceutical industry and its ability to significantly contribute to public health. I am involved with a few US computer development companies, and I am not rejecting the possibility that new giant pharmaceutical companies will be created within a few decades."
In a 2009 "Globes" interview, Kornberg spoke about the future of the pharmaceutical industry in less optimistic terms, so it appears that there really have been significant scientific breakthroughs in the last few years that are fueling Kornberg's enthusiasm.
"I hope that Israel will benefit from this development," Kornberg says. "It depends on all of us the government needs to support universities more, and it is important to receive investments from philanthropies, as well as from venture capital."
Do you yourself invest in this field?
"No, I am a poor scientist. But if I had money, I would invest in Israel's future."
Are you involved with any other Israeli companies?
"Yes, in Oplan Pure Science Limited. It is a pharmaceutical company, but it is based on impressive scientific findings, and it is developing nicely."
Oplan began in the life sciences field, but is currently developing drugs to prevent the development of bacteria in products such as food containers or on medical equipment. C. Mer Industries Ltd. (TASE: CMER) owns 23% of Oplan, and recently it signed commercial agreements with large beverage companies.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 19, 2012
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