Compugen Ltd. () is a clinical-stage publicly traded predictive
drug discovery
In the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmacology, drug discovery is the process by which new candidate medications are discovered.
Historically, drugs were discovered by identifying the active ingredient from traditional remedies or by ...
and development company headquartered in
Israel
Israel (; he, יִשְׂרָאֵל, ; ar, إِسْرَائِيل, ), officially the State of Israel ( he, מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, label=none, translit=Medīnat Yīsrāʾēl; ), is a country in Western Asia. It is situated ...
, with shares traded on the
NASDAQ Capital Market
The Nasdaq Stock Market () (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations Stock Market) is an American stock exchange based in New York City. It is the most active stock trading venue in the US by volume, and ranked second ...
and on the
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE; ; colloquially known as The Bursa, ) is Israel's only public stock exchange and a public company that has been traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange since August 1, 2019. Legally, the exchange is regulated by ...
. Compugen was established as computational drug discovery service provider in 1993. Compugen originally acted as service provider for pharma companies, supplying its software and computational services to predict different types of biological phenomena. It had arrangements with big pharmas such as
Novartis AG
Novartis AG is a Swiss-American multinational pharmaceutical corporation based in Basel, Switzerland and
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (global research).name="novartis.com">https://www.novartis.com/research-development/research-loc ...
,
Abbot Laboratories and
Pfizer Inc
Pfizer Inc. ( ) is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation headquartered on 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City. The company was established in 1849 in New York by two German entrepreneurs, Charles Pfizer ...
. Subsequently, Compugen made a decision to become a drug development company with its own internal pipeline, and in 2010, decided to a focus on
oncology
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an ''oncologist''. The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (''ó ...
and immunology.
OncoMed Pharmaceuticals and
Five Prime Therapeutics are among Compugen's competitors.
History
Compugen was founded by Eli Mintz, Simchon Faigler and Amir Natan. Mintz conceived of the idea for the company in 1991 while accompanying his wife, Liat Mintz, to a
genomics
Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of biology focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. A genome is an organism's complete set of DNA, including all of its genes as well as its hierarchical, three-dim ...
engagement at the
Pasteur Institute
The Pasteur Institute (french: Institut Pasteur) is a French non-profit private foundation dedicated to the study of biology, micro-organisms, diseases, and vaccines. It is named after Louis Pasteur, who invented pasteurization and vaccines f ...
in France. She commented that the quantities of data being produced by scientists involved in
DNA sequencing exceeded what computers could process at reasonable speeds. Eli Mintz partnered with colleagues Faigler and Natan from the
IDF's elite
Talpiot program
Talpiot program ( he, תוכנית תלפיות) is an elite Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) training program for recruits who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability in the sciences and leadership potential. Graduates pursue double higher edu ...
to develop a more powerful specialized processor for sequence similarity searches; and the company's first product, dubbed the "Bioccelerator", had speeds up to one thousand times faster than other platforms being used at the time.
In 1997, the company followed this success by introducing LEADS, an
EST clustering and assembly platform. By around 2001, Compugen had effected a shift in its business model from a company whose almost exclusive focus was marketing computer programs and applications to one whose operations extended into the diagnostics and therapeutics fields. In 2010, under Dr. Cogen-Dayag's new leadership, the company shifted its business model to become a fully integrated biopharma company using its developed
computational biology
Computational biology refers to the use of data analysis, mathematical modeling and computational simulations to understand biological systems and relationships. An intersection of computer science, biology, and big data, the field also has fo ...
discovery technology to identify novel targets and develop its own pipeline of immuno-oncology drugs.
Compugen began trading on the Nasdaq in 2000 and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2002. Also in 2002, Compugen
spun off its subsidiary
Evogene
Evogene is a computational biology
Computational biology refers to the use of data analysis, mathematical modeling and computational simulations to understand biological systems and relationships. An intersection of computer science, biology ...
, established as an
agriscience division in 1999.
Pipeline
COM701 / PVRIG
PVRIG is a novel B7/CD28-like immune checkpoint target candidate. In June 2016, Compugen announced the selection of COM701 as the lead therapeutic candidate for PVRIG. COM701 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of COM701 as monotherapy and in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor. Additional endpoints include evaluation of PK/PD and preliminary clinical activity in certain tumor types such as NSCLC, breast, ovarian endometrial cancer. Preclinical data demonstrate that these tumor types express a high level of the biomarkers PVRIG and PVRL2. The Phase 1 study is currently enrolling at various sites in the United States.
BAY 1905254 / ILDR2
ILDR2 (internal designation CGEN-15001T) is a novel B7/CD28-like immune checkpoint target candidate discovered by Compugen. This program is partnered to
Bayer AG
Bayer AG (, commonly pronounced ; ) is a German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Headquartered in Leverkusen, Bayer's areas of business include pharmaceutica ...
. BAY 1905254, an antibody targeting ILDR2 was co-developed by Compugen and Bayer. After completing preclinical development, the program was transferred to Bayer for further development. Under the terms of their license and collaboration agreement, Bayer is responsible for all the clinical development of BAY 1905254 and its future commercialization worldwide, if the therapy is approved. In September 2018, Bayer initiated patient dosing in a Phase 1 trial assessing the safety and tolerability of BAY 1905254. The study is currently recruiting in patients in the United States. The trial will include 196 patients.
COM902 / TIGIT
TIGIT is an immune checkpoint in the B7/CD28 family. In March 2017, COM902 was selected as the lead therapeutic candidate for CGEN-15137/TIGIT. Compugen is planning to file an IND with the FDA and initiate a Phase 1 study for COM902 in 2019.
CGEN-15001/ILDR2 Fc Fusion
CGEN-15001/ILDR2-Fc is the company's lead program for autoimmune diseases.
Partnerships/collaborations
Bristol-Myers Squibb
In October 2018, Compugen announced a clinical collaboration and equity investment agreement with
Bristol-Myers Squibb
The Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMS) is an American multinational pharmaceutical company. Headquartered in New York City, BMS is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and consistently ranks on the ''Fortune'' 500 list of the l ...
. Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol Bristol-Myers Squibb will supply Opdivo®, its PD-1 inhibitor, for the combination arm of Compugen's Phase 1 study designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of COM701 and Opdivo in four tumor types, including non-small cell lung, ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer. In addition, Bristol-Myers may initiate and fund clinical trials that assess combinations of multiple checkpoint inhibitors, including PVRIG (the target of COM701), and TIGIT. In conjunction with the collaboration agreement, Bristo-Mayers Squibb made a $12 million equity investment in Compugen, holding approximately 4% of the company.
Bayer Healthcare
In August 2013, Compugen entered into a collaboration and license agreement with
Bayer AG
Bayer AG (, commonly pronounced ; ) is a German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Headquartered in Leverkusen, Bayer's areas of business include pharmaceutica ...
to develop antibody drugs for cancer immunotherapy against two Compugen-discovered immune checkpoint regulators CGEN-15001T and CGEN-15022. The companies agreed to collaborate on preclinical programs, with Bayer retaining full control over clinical development and commercialization after preclinical work was completed. Under the terms of the agreement, Compugen received $10 million up front payment and was set to receive $30 million, plus up to $500 million in milestone payments on both programs and was eligible for mid to high single-digit royalties on product sales. In 2017, after joint assessment of the CGEN-15022 program, the investment in the program was halted and the Bayer collaboration shifted solely CGEN-15001T. To date, Compugen received approximately $25 million in up front and preclinical milestone payments and is eligible to up to $250 million in milestone payments and mid to high single-digit royalties on product sales. In April 2018, Bayer disclosed the target of this program as ILDR2 and announced its intention to advance the program to the clinic.
Medimmune (subsidiary of AstraZeneca)
In March 2018, Compugen entered into an exclusive license agreement with
MedImmune
MedImmune, LLC was a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca before February 14, 2019, when it was announced that the MedImmune name and branding would be discontinued in favor of AstraZeneca.
MedImmune was founded in 1988 as Molecular Vaccines, ...
, the global biologics research arm of AstraZeneca to develop bi-specific and multi-specific immuno-oncology antibody products derived from one of Compugen's pipeline products. MedImmune has the right to develop multiple product under this license and is solely responsible for R&D and commercial expenses. Under the terms of the agreement, Compugen will receive a $10 million upfront payment and up to $200 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestones for the first product as well as tiered royalties on future product sales. If any other products are developed, Compugen is eligible for additional milestone payments and royalties.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
In December 2014, Compugen announced the initiation of a multi-year research collaboration with
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM) is the medical school of Johns Hopkins University, a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1893, the School of Medicine shares a campus with the Johns Hopkins Hos ...
, (JHU) on immune checkpoint candidates for the potential treatment of cancer. This collaborative research expanded Compugen's ongoing assessment of the biology and mechanism of action of its novel B7/CD8-like immune checkpoint proteins, and provided access to the world-class I-O research tools and expertise at JHU. The project is overseen by Prof.
Drew Pardoll and Dr. Charles Drake, members of Compugen's scientific advisory board and well-known pioneers in the field of immuno-oncology. In October 2017, the collaboration was expanded to include new additional targets discovered by Compugen which have the potential to serve as a basis for the development of cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Mount Sinai Hospital
In November 2017, Compugen announced a multi-year research collaboration with Mount Sinai Hospital, under the direction of Dr. Miriam Merad. The collaboration focuses on the research and target validation of selected myeloid candidates discovered by Compugen for their potential to serve as a basis for cancer immunotherapy treatments, including the validation of their role in innate immunity and involvement in tumor biology.
Management
Mor Amitai,
Hebrew University
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI; he, הַאוּנִיבֶרְסִיטָה הַעִבְרִית בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם) is a public university, public research university based in Jerusalem, Israel. Co-founded by Albert Einstein ...
alumnus (
Ph.D
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is a ...
,
Mathematics), who joined Compugen in 1994, was the company's
CEO
A chief executive officer (CEO), also known as a central executive officer (CEO), chief administrator officer (CAO) or just chief executive (CE), is one of a number of corporate executives charged with the management of an organization especiall ...
and president from 1998 to 2005. He was replaced by Alex Kotzer,
Technion alumnus (
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is an engineering field which deals with the study of operation and design of chemical plants as well as methods of improving production. Chemical engineers develop economical commercial processes to convert raw materials in ...
), who was CEO and president through 2008.
Anat Cohen-Dayag,
Weizmann Institute
The Weizmann Institute of Science ( he, מכון ויצמן למדע ''Machon Vaitzman LeMada'') is a public research university in Rehovot, Israel, established in 1934, 14 years before the State of Israel. It differs from other Israeli un ...
alumnus (Ph.D.,
Cellular Biology
Cell biology (also cellular biology or cytology) is a branch of biology that studies the structure, function, and behavior of cells. All living organisms are made of cells. A cell is the basic unit of life that is responsible for the living a ...
), became co-CEO of Compugen in 2009, serving alongside
Martin Gerstel,
Yale
Yale University is a private research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Established in 1701 as the Collegiate School, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and among the most prestigious in the wo ...
alumnus (
Engineering
Engineering is the use of scientific method, scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad rang ...
). She has been the company's exclusive CEO since 2010.
See also
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Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international scientific research project with the goal of determining the base pairs that make up human DNA, and of identifying, mapping and sequencing all of the genes of the human genome from both a ...
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In silico
In biology and other experimental sciences, an ''in silico'' experiment is one performed on computer or via computer simulation. The phrase is pseudo-Latin for 'in silicon' (correct la, in silicio), referring to silicon in computer chips. It ...
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Transcriptome
The transcriptome is the set of all RNA transcripts, including coding and non-coding, in an individual or a population of cells. The term can also sometimes be used to refer to all RNAs, or just mRNA, depending on the particular experiment. The ...
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Genesis Partners
Genesis Partners is an Israeli venture capital firm, founded in 1996 by Eddy Shalev and Eyal Kishon.
Overview
Genesis Partners investment strategy is focused on early-stage Israeli innovation-driven technology companies. The company invests in ...
*
List of Israeli companies quoted on the Nasdaq
Israel had more companies listed in 2012 on the NASDAQ stock exchange than any country outside the United States, save China. As of 2011, some sixty Israeli companies are listed on the Nasdaq. 2000 was the year that saw the most new Israeli listin ...
References
Further reading
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External links
{{Authority control
Companies listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Biotechnology companies of Israel
Companies established in 1993
1993 establishments in Israel
Companies listed on the Nasdaq
Drug discovery companies