Fudan University and East China Normal University (ECNU) have entered into a global rights cooperation agreement with Supercede Therapeutics, a small-molecule start-up, to develop a novel drug aimed at anti-tumor cachexia and muscle enhancement. Under the terms of the agreement, Supercede will secure the global development and commercialization rights for a pre-clinical small molecule designed to combat anti-tumor cachexia muscular atrophy, sarcopenia, and enhance muscle growth.
The Shanghai-based academic institutions are set to receive up to USD 100 million in upfront payments, as well as development, regulatory, and commercialization milestone payments. Additionally, they will be entitled to tiered royalties based on the global net annual sales of the drug.
The drug in question is an oral small-molecule activin receptor II (ActRII) inhibitor, currently in development for the treatment of obesity. It boasts promising muscle-enhancing effects, positioning it as a potential solution for the clinical need for effective treatment drugs for muscle atrophy conditions such as tumor cachexia and sarcopenia. Furthermore, it is anticipated to be used in conjunction with GLP-1 drugs, offering a dual approach to reducing fat while simultaneously increasing muscle mass.
Established in 2023, Supercede Therapeutics leverages an AI/ML bioinformatics platform to accelerate drug discovery. The company’s pipeline includes Bach1 inhibitors/Nrf2 activators, ActRIIB inhibitors, and other treatments aimed at addressing complex diseases such as obesity and Friedreich ataxia.- Flcube.com
