Startup Addrenex Licenses Drug Technology from University of Nebraska

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK - Addrenex Pharmaceuticals, a drug development startup, has licensed technology from the University of Nebraska related to adrenalin and noradrenalin.

The deal includes nearly 400 compounds that target adrenergic receptors on cells that react to adrenalin and noradrenalin. The substances affect the so-called fight-or-flight response.

The compounds Addrenex licensed could have use in a variety of fields from blood pressure to pain and addiction.

Two of the compounds have been tested in clinical trials on patients with nasal congestion or migraines.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Addrenex recently signed a deal with Sciele Pharma, which is based in Atlanta, under which Sciele licensed Addrenex’s first product. If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the Addrenex drug Clonicel would target hypertension and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.