By Monica Chen

mchen@heraldsun.com; 419-6636

DURHAM -- Quintiles will partner a partnership with Japanesse drug company Eisai Co. Ltd. to develop six potential oncology products in Eisai's research and development pipeline, the companies announced Friday. Financial details were not disclosed.

Under the terms of the agreement, Quintiles' oncology experts will conduct Phase II proof-of-concept studies for 11 solid tumor indications to determine the efficacy of the products in the shortest possible time.

The strategic alliance will be structured on a risk-sharing basis, with Quintiles funding, in part, the design and conduct of the clinical studies in exchange for success milestone payments.

The agreement is designed to enable Eisai to extend its oncology program, increasing the number of indications investigated for the six potential products -- eribulin, E7080, Ontak, E7820, E6201 and E7050.

The drugs will remain the property of Eisai, with Quintiles having development accountability through the Phase II proof-of-concept stage. In addition to projects covered under the agreement with Quintiles, Eisai will continue ongoing development of 18 additional indications for the same six compounds.

Quintiles, a contract research organization founded in Chapel Hill by a then-UNC Chapel Hill professor, has its headquarters in Durham. Eisai, based in Tokyo, focuses on treatments for central nervous system diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. The company has a facility in Durham's Research Triangle Park.