ArQule is a clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the research and development of innovative cancer therapeutics. The Company's mission is to introduce novel products that act selectively against cancer cells, target multiple tumor types and are well tolerated by patients. We believe our clinical stage products represent potential best-in-class or first-in-class small molecule candidates based on highly differentiated mechanisms of action.
Our lead products, which are in clinical-stage testing, consist of ARQ 197, an orally administered inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, and ARQ 501, an intravenously administered novel activator of the cell's DNA damage response mechanism mediated by the E2F-1 transcription factor. Early-stage clinical trial results are available for ARQ 197 and ARQ 501 and have demonstrated anti-cancer activity across multiple types of tumors.
We retain full worldwide commercial rights to ARQ 197 outside of Japan and certain other Asian countries, where we have granted commercial rights to Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd. We are developing ARQ 501 and ARQ 761 (a new chemical entity based on ARQ 501) pursuant to our collaboration with Hoffmann-La Roche. Our agreements with these partners provide for possible future milestone payments, royalties on product sales, and development funding, in addition to payments that we have already received.
Our pre-clinical programs are directed toward molecular targets that we believe play critical roles in the development of human cancers. The targets, mechanisms of action and chemistry related to compounds generated from these programs differ, offering the potential for multiple therapeutic opportunities. The most advanced of these programs are focused on the development of inhibitors of the Eg5 kinesin spindle protein and the B-RAF kinase. Toxicology testing is planned to begin in 2008 with a product candidate from the Eg5 program. Additional molecular targets are being explored in other pre-clinical programs.
