US-based Flare Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in cancer therapies through the use of transcription factors, has announced a strategic discovery collaboration agreement with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche (SWX: ROG). The partnership will utilize Flare Therapeutics’ expertise in proteomics and mass spectrometry, along with its proprietary library of electrophilic compounds, to discover novel small molecule drugs targeting previously undrugged transcription factor targets in oncology.
Collaboration Terms and Financial Commitment
Under the agreement, Roche will make an upfront cash payment of USD 70 million to Flare Therapeutics and is committed to additional discovery, development, and commercialization milestone payments potentially exceeding USD 1.8 billion, along with royalties. This significant financial commitment underscores Roche’s confidence in the potential of Flare Therapeutics’ platform and the promise of the collaboration.
Discovery and Development Responsibilities
Flare Therapeutics will lead discovery and preclinical activities targeting multiple transcription factor targets in oncology. Roche will take over further preclinical and clinical development and commercialization of potential products from the collaboration, leveraging its extensive capabilities in oncology.
Flare Therapeutics’ Pipeline and Co-funding Option
Flare Therapeutics retains the right to co-fund development for one target under the deal in exchange for increased royalties in the United States for that target. The company will also maintain ownership of its existing pipeline, including its lead clinical-stage program, FX-909, for advanced urothelial cancer, its prostate cancer program entering IND-enabling studies, and other programs in discovery and early development in oncology and other therapeutic areas.-Fineline Info & Tech
Leave a Reply