China-based Rona Therapeutics Inc. and Keymed Biosciences (HKG: 2162) have unveiled a strategic collaboration aimed at the joint discovery and development of first-in-class siRNA therapeutics targeting glomerulonephritis, a group of severe kidney diseases. Rona will apply its proprietary RAZOR RNAi platform to identify siRNA lead compounds directed at a novel target associated with glomerulonephritis, while Keymed will provide research and translational expertise.
Profit/Loss-Sharing Agreement and Global Commercialization
Under the terms of the agreement, the two firms have entered into a profit/loss-sharing arrangement for products that result from the project. Any successful candidates will be co-developed and commercialized globally by both companies. Further specifics of the deal were not disclosed.
Glomerulonephritis: A Significant Health Concern
Glomerulonephritis encompasses a range of serious kidney diseases, accounting for 25%-30% of all end-stage renal disease cases. Primary forms of glomerulonephritis include IgA nephropathy, which is more prevalent in Asia, lupus nephritis, membranous nephropathy, and others. This collaboration signifies a significant step in addressing the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from these conditions.
A New Direction for Keymed Biosciences
The partnership marks a departure for Keymed Biosciences, which has primarily focused on the development of antibody drugs for cancer or autoimmune diseases. Keymed does have one drug in development for IgA nephropathy, the MASP-2-targeted monoclonal antibody CM338, indicating the company’s expanding interest in therapeutics for kidney diseases.-Fineline Info & Tech
