Trevena Enters Research Collaboration with Merck To Identify Novel Biased Ligand Molecules

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Trevena, Inc., the leader in the discovery and development of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) biased ligands, today announced the initiation of a research collaboration with Merck, through a subsidiary. The collaboration will focus on screening for biased ligands against an undisclosed receptor using Trevena’s proprietary assays and know-how. Financial details of the collaboration have not been disclosed.

“We are delighted to work with Merck’s scientists to expand their understanding of the signaling pathways of the selected receptor,” stated Maxine Gowen, Trevena’s CEO.

About Biased Ligands

Traditional GPCR ligands either turn on or turn off all of the cellular signaling pathways engaged by a particular receptor, which can result in efficacy limitations or undesirable adverse effects. Trevena’s novel drug discovery approach is focused on designing GPCR ligands that are “biased” toward activating one key receptor signaling pathway while blocking another. These biased ligands provide an enhanced level of drug specificity which allows enhanced efficacy or decreased side effects to be designed into the drug candidate.

About Trevena

Trevena, Inc. is the leader in the discovery and development of GPCR biased ligand drugs. The company has two novel biased ligand drugs in clinical development. TRV027 is a biased AT1R ligand currently in Phase 2 studies for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. TRV130 is a biased mu-opioid agonist for acute pain in Phase 1 testing. Trevena is a privately held company based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and is backed by leading life sciences investors, including Alta Partners, Healthcare Ventures, NEA, Polaris and Yasuda Enterprise Development Company. For more information, please visit www.trevenainc.com.

Trevena, Inc.
Media Contact:
Alastair Southwell, Commercial Director
610-354-8840
asouthwell@trevenainc.com
or
Investor Contact:
The Trout Group
Alan Roemer, Managing Director
646-378-2945
aroemer@troutgroup.com

Source: Trevena, Inc.

Released May 2, 2012