Shanghai-based Usynova Pharmaceuticals Ltd has announced a licensing agreement with UK pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca (AZ, NASDAQ: AZN) concerning its pipeline candidate, UA022. UA022 is a small-molecule drug targeting the KRASG12D mutation, currently in the pre-clinical stages of development.
Terms of the Agreement and Financials
Under the agreement, AstraZeneca (AZ) will secure exclusive global rights for research and development and commercialization of the drug. Usynova Pharma is set to receive an upfront payment of USD 24 million and is eligible for up to USD 395 million in potential development and commercialization milestone payments, in addition to royalties on future net sales.
Relevance of KRASG12D Inhibition in Oncology
KRAS mutations are prevalent in various cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancer, with the G12D mutation being the most common, representing 26% of all KRAS mutations. Currently, there are no approved KRASG12D inhibitors on the market. UA022, an effective and selective oral small-molecule drug, has demonstrated strong anticancer activity, good safety, and good oral bioavailability in preclinical models, showing promise for the treatment of KRASG12D-mutated cancers.- Flcube.com
