BioFocus and the Usher III Initiative, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, announced today that they have embarked on a drug discovery project focused on Usher Syndrome Type III.  Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes the loss of hearing and vision.  Under the agreement, BioFocus will perform an integrated program encompassing medicinal chemistry and biological sciences.

“We are pleased to support the Usher III Initiative in its aim to find a targeted treatment and cure for Usher III,” said Angus MacLeod, Vice President, Medicinal Chemistry, BioFocus. “This collaboration will utilize BioFocus’ expertise in integrated drug discovery programs.”

About Usher Syndrome

Three subtypes of Usher Syndrome have been identified as I, II and III.  The clinical symptoms and onset of the disease varies between the different subtypes: type I shows the most profound impact on hearing and vision, whereas type II and III are generally milder with onset occurring later in life.

About BioFocus

BioFocus aims to expand its partners’ drug pipelines by accelerating the gene-to-clinical candidate discovery process. This is achieved through a comprehensive discovery platform, which includes target discovery in human primary cells, focused as well as diverse compound libraries, in vitro and cell-based screening, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, ADME/PK services, supported by unique chemogenomic and informatics tools, and compound library acquisition, storage and distribution services. As a service division of Galapagos BioFocus has over 250 employees based in the UK, the US and Switzerland.