Debiopharm, Yale to develop MIF inhibitors to treat autoimmune, inflammatory diseases

The agreement will allow the discovery and development of potential oral first-in-class compounds that inhibit Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), a major regulatory cytokine that has been linked genetically to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Debiopharm Group delegate of the Board Thierry Mauvernay said the company is happy to announce this new research collaboration with top-ranked Yale University.

"We are convinced that building a strong relationship with leading, medically-focused academic institutions is a productive way of creating drugs for tomorrow," Mauvernay said.

Yale professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Pathology Richard Bucala said, "Debiopharm’s reputation for early stage drug development is well known, and this is an exciting new therapeutic approach that may ultimately allow us to tailor treatment to a patient’s immunogenetic profile."

Debiopharm is a group of four companies active in drug development, GMP manufacturing of proprietary drugs, diagnostics and investments.