Company
IriDM focuses on research into the natural signalling molecules for G-protein-coupled orphan receptors (GPCRs).
The orphan receptor program is the result of a successful collaboration between the Janssen Research Foundation (Johnson & Johnson) in Beerse, Belgium and the laboratory of Prof. Schoofs at the K.U. Leuven.
A broad panel of fractions from a range of tissue extracts is currently undergoing tests for bio-activity on all known orphan GPCRs, followed by purification and identification of the bio-active molecules.
IriDM has a close collaboration with PharmaDM, its parent company. The collaboration and mutual cross-pollination between PharmaDM and IriDM will create new synergies. IriDM will obtain significant competitive advantage from the use of PharmaDM software and computational know-how. In turn, PharmaDM will test its Data Mining software in laboratory projects under its direct control and therefore will be able offer its customers even more suitable, customised software.
The research program will yield drug targets and product candidates that could be partnered out. An estimated 50% of all successful pharmaceutical treatments directly or indirectly modulate the activity of a GPCR.
Drug discovery partnerships with pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies are planned for de-orphanised receptors at various stages, ranging from target validation through to Phase I studies. Such collaborations will be established if the resources of an industrial partner can be leveraged to accelerate the programme significantly.
Diagnostic applications will be licensed out, at an early stage.