Dilaforette inks deal with Bahraini university for sickle cell disease research

Sweden-based Dilaforette AB, a Karolinska Development (STO: KDEV) portfolio company focused on innovative treatments for patients with sickle-cell disease, and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), based in Bahrain, have signed a clinical collaboration agreement for the Phase II proof-of-concept trial of sevuparin in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experiencing acute vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC).

Under the scope of the agreement, Dilaforette and AGU's collaboration will facilitate the development of Dilaforette's lead candidate, sevuparin, for patients with SCD. AGU will provide up to $1.2 million in non-dilutive funding for the study and assist with patient recruitment. This project will contribute to enhancing AGU's capabilities in clinical research through training and engagement in Phase II clinical trial. In return AGU will receive royalties on future product revenues which are capped at twice the financial support it provides to the Phase II proof-of-concept study.

The Phase II sevuparin study is currently enrolling patients at several clinical sites in the Middle East, including Bahrain, where AGU is located.