Italy’s Menarini Group, through its subsidiary Stemline Therapeutics Inc., has entered into a licensing deal with China-based AI drug discovery firm Insilico Medicine. The agreement grants Menarini global development and commercialization rights to a preclinical small molecule targeting oncology indications. This strategic move further expands Menarini’s oncology pipeline, leveraging Insilico’s advanced AI-driven drug discovery capabilities.
Small Molecule Inhibitor and Development
The small molecule inhibitor, developed under Insilico’s generative chemistry engine Chemistry42 and by Insilico’s drug discovery team, targets a broad range of solid tumor cancers. It has demonstrated broad anti-tumor activity in selected cancers during preclinical development, positioning it as a promising candidate for the treatment of various solid tumor cancers.
Agreement Terms and Financials
Under the terms of the agreement, Stemline will pay Insilico an upfront payment of USD 20 million, out of a total of USD 550 million, which includes all development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, alongside tiered royalties. This significant financial commitment reflects the potential of the preclinical asset and the confidence in Insilico’s drug discovery platform.
Previous Collaboration
Menarini first partnered with Insilico in January of last year for an exclusive license deal focused on a KAT6A inhibitor developed on Insilico’s platform. The latest deal further strengthens the collaboration between the two companies, combining Menarini’s global reach with Insilico’s innovative AI-driven drug discovery approach.
Future Prospects
The licensing deal between Menarini Group and Insilico Medicine highlights the growing importance of AI in drug discovery and development. By obtaining rights to this preclinical small molecule, Menarini is well-positioned to advance its oncology portfolio and bring novel treatments to patients with solid tumor cancers. This partnership underscores the potential of AI to accelerate the development of innovative therapeutics in the fight against cancer.-Fineline Info & Tech
