Roche (SWX: ROG; OTCMKTS: RHHBY), a Swiss pharmaceutical giant, is expanding its footprint in the RNA drug development sector through a strategic partnership and licensing agreement with Ascidian Therapeutics, a U.S.-based biotechnology company. The collaboration aims to discover and develop RNA exon editing therapeutics for the treatment of neurological disorders.
According to the agreement, Ascidian will receive an upfront payment of USD 42 million, with the potential for up to USD 1.8 billion in developmental and commercial milestones. Ascidian will grant Roche exclusive rights to its RNA exon editing technology for specific neurological targets that have not been disclosed. The U.S. biotech firm will collaborate with Roche on discovery and certain preclinical activities, while Roche will be responsible for some preclinical work, as well as subsequent clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the emerging therapeutic candidates.- Flcube.com
