Hyderabad, 7 December: ThromoGenics NV of Belgium, a biotechnology company focused on vascualr disease, entered into a lincence agreement with the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) for manufacturing, clinical development and commercialisation of "THR-100" in developing as well as certain industrialised countries.

THR-100, a novel variant of recombinant staphylokinase, is a thrombolytic agent developed for treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack) and other vascular diseases based on its ability to dissolve blood clots.

As part of the licence deal, the Belgium company will transfer its THR-100 technology to BBIL, which will become the global manufacturer for the finished drug. With inputs from ThromboGenics, BBIL will also be responsible for developing the commercial manufacturing process, implementing clinical development plan for phase III trials and gain marketing authorisation to commercialise THR-100, initially in India. While ThromboGenics will earn double digit royalties on set sales, BBIL will assume responsibility for all future costs.

According to a BBIL press release here on Thursday, THR-100 has completed phase-II clinical trials in Europe for treatment of AMI in over 140 patients. It has shown superior efficacy to both streptokinase and urokinase, the most commonly used thrombolytic agents in the developing world for the treatment of AMI and thrombotic conditions.