Genentech, a subsidiary of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche (SWX: ROG), has announced a partnership with Belgium-based Orionis Biosciences to discover molecular glue-class small-molecule treatments in oncology and neurodegeneration. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Orionis’s proprietary platform for high-throughput discovery, rational design, and optimization of candidates that modulate intermolecular interactions, leading to the degradation or function modulation of targets designated by Genentech.
Collaboration Details and Financial Terms
Orionis will utilize its platform to identify and optimize potential therapeutic candidates, while Genentech will take over pre-clinical development and all subsequent stages. Under the terms of the deal, Orionis will receive an upfront payment of USD 47 million and is eligible for potential milestone payments exceeding USD 2 billion. Additionally, Orionis stands to receive tiered royalties from successful programs, highlighting the significant potential of this partnership.
Genentech’s Active Week in Drug Discovery
According to Fineline Info & Tech data, this collaboration with Orionis marks Genentech’s second drug discovery agreement within the week. Earlier, the company sought Japan’s Peptidream (TYO: 4587) for its peptide-radioisotopes, indicating a proactive approach to expanding its pipeline and exploring innovative treatment options.-Fineline Info & Tech
