By Fineline Cube 
Matchpoint Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, announced an exclusive option and license agreement with Novartis (NYSE: NVS) to develop oral covalent inhibitors for treating multiple inflammatory diseases. This collaboration targets transcription factors traditionally deemed undruggable but critical in inflammation.
Collaboration Details
Under the agreement, Matchpoint will utilize its Advanced Covalent Exploration (ACE)™ platform to advance the program through candidate selection and conduct all preclinical research. Novartis will provide up to $60 million in upfront and research funding. If Novartis exercises its option, it will gain global development and commercialization rights to the program.
Financial Terms
Matchpoint is eligible to receive up to $1 billion in total milestone payments and tiered royalties on future product sales if Novartis exercises its option.
Technological Innovation
Matchpoint highlighted its precision covalent drug discovery capabilities, which enable targeting previously inaccessible protein binding sites. This approach aims to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production.
Novartis Perspective
Novartis noted that this collaboration could address significant unmet needs in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.-Fineline Info & Tech