Migco Pharmaceuticals is developing and commercializing new drug therapies that will significantly improve the lives of migraine sufferers.

Migco's lead compound, [MGX-008], is based on a novel class of therapeutic compounds. It represents a new approach to migraine prevention.

MGX-008 has shown promising indications for the prevention of migraine. Opportunities are emerging, too, for the treatment of other neurological conditions including ADHD and Alzheimers. Migco has clinical safety data, a successful human concept trial in long-term refractory patients1 and a clear path to market.
bark

MGX-008 is a patented derivative of an extract of the bark of Pinus radiata, and has a substantial body of scientific and clinical studies and reports behind it, including 8 human and animal trials. It is based on a widely available raw material and produced for Migco in a new dedicated $3m plant. MGX-008 is exceptionally consistent, stable and scalable. MGX-008 is rapidly progressing through the regulatory approval process - clinical trials are due to commence in mid-2009.

Migco's target market is severe migraine sufferers, of whom in the US alone there are more than 28 million. To reach them, Migco intends MGX-008 to be marketed as a prescription medicine. Worldwide the potential market for migraine therapies is estimated at $4.1bn


MGX-008 has been widely used and is very well tolerated, thereby offering superior first-line drug options for physicians to offer migraine sufferers. Patients would take MGX-008 daily over long periods to prevent migraine attacks - unlike most drugs, which treat symptoms once an attack is underway. This treatment will ofer insurers and funders alike a cost-effective means of lowering doctor and emergency ward visits.

Migco has built a network of collaborations with leading neurologists, scientists and geneticists, and established commercial alliances with manufacturers, contract research organizations, and advisory consultants, across the United States, Britain, India, Australia and New Zealand.

MigcoBio

MigcoBio Pty. Ltd. is integrating innovative research on the genetic factors involved in migraine headaches with the development of therapeutic treatments. MigcoBio has been established to complement the development programme of its New Zealand parent company, Migco Pharmaceuticals, Ltd, and to manage its growing Australian-based research and clinical trial activities. It is located on the campus of Griffith University and is part of the Gold Coast Innovation Centre.

A growing IP portfolio provides the foundation for future investment in research and commercial development. In February 2006 Migco was granted a patent for the therapeutic use of the extract in migraine; eight further patents have been applied for. It has exclusively licensed world-wide patents in place for the production of the extract and derivatives.

Map

Migco has a highly skilled and experienced management and governance team - experienced biotechnology professionals with global experience in commercial and scientific development.

Mrs Elizabeth Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer

  • Previously a Global Project Manager – Early Development, based in the UK offices of Pfizer (www.pfizer.com), the world‘s largest pharmaceutical company
  • Responsible for leading major development projects through Phase I and Phase II clinical trials
  • Spent 8 years in drug discovery projects in Pfizer culminating in her leadership of the Migraine Team within Pfizer‘s Neurology Group
  • Played key leadership roles in three start-up companies in New Zealand throughout the phases of establishment, capital raising, intellectual property generation and product launch
  • Deputy chairman of NZBIO (www.nzbio.org.nz) an industry group representing the bioscience based sector in New Zealand.

Larry Stenswick, Director

Larry Stenswick
  • Founder and director of several successful start-up companies taking them through to high yielding trade sales.
  • Experienced in clinical trials programs and the development of valuable intellectual property portfolios.
  • Managed international sales, marketing, branding and distribution for multi-national firms.
  • Co-inventor on three life science patents.

Dr. John Devlin, Chairman

Dr. John Devlin
  • Co-owner of Research Directions Ltd specialized in organic chemistry.
  • Advisor on drug scale up and US FDA requirements to over 30 Australasian biotech companies.
  • Extensive experience in the international pharmaceutical industry.
  • Managed team of 45 researchers in large US firm and key member of management buyout group that subsequently sold the firm for a high multiple.

Dr. Andrew Pearce, Director

Dr. Andrew Pearce
  • Chairman of publicly listed biotech company.
  • Director of Bank of New Zealand and member of the Audit and Risk committee.
  • Founding CEO of Landcare Research NZ Ltd, managing a staff of 370 people, including over 200 scientists.
  • Former Director and Deputy Chair of New Zealand Foundation for Science Research and Technology (FRST) which manages over $470 million per annum of government funded scientific research.

David Beard, Director

David Beard
  • Over 25 years of experience in management consultancy.
  • Partner in Movac group, a pre-eminent early stage investment funder, with most notable success Trade Me.
  • Substantial knowledge and experience in project and business management, banking and information technology.
  • Principal of UK firm and director of several New Zealand boards.

A growing IP portfolio provides the foundation for future investment in research and commercial development. In February 2006 Migco was granted a patent for the therapeutic use of the extract in migraine, and eight further patents have been applied for. It has exclusively in licensed world wide patents for the production of the extract and derivatives.

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1 Chayasirisobhon, S. Use of a Pine Bark Extract and Anti-oxidant Combination Product as Therapy for Migraine in Patients Refractory to Phamacologic Medication. Headache 2006;46:788-793