By Fineline Cube 
OMass Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm that discovers medicines targeting membrane proteins and intracellular complexes, has entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. The partnership will leverage OMass’s proprietary Odyssion platform to advance an oral small‑molecule candidate targeting a first‑in‑class mechanism for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Odyssion Platform: A Precision Drug Discovery Engine
- Target Ecosystems – Focus on highly validated membrane proteins and intracellular complexes that drive disease pathology.
- Oral Small‑Molecule Focus – Enables patient‑friendly dosing and improved adherence in chronic conditions such as IBD.
- Rapid Lead Identification – Integrated high‑throughput screening and computational modeling cut development timelines.
Collaboration Structure
| Phase | Lead Partner | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑clinical | OMass | Lead discovery, lead optimization, and candidate selection |
| Clinical & Beyond | Genentech | Conducts Phase I‑III trials, regulatory filing, manufacturing, and commercialization |
Financial Terms
- Upfront Payment – $20 million to OMass.
- Milestone Potential – Over $400 million in preclinical, development, commercial, and net‑sales milestones.
- Royalties – Tiered royalty structure on net sales post‑commercialization.
Strategic Impact
- For OMass – The partnership validates the Odyssion platform, unlocks significant capital, and allows OMass to focus on its next generation of discovery programs.
- For Genentech – Access to a novel oral small‑molecule candidate in a high‑therapeutic‑need area, complementing its existing IBD portfolio.
- For Patients – Potential for a first‑in‑class oral therapy that offers improved efficacy and convenience for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.-Fineline Info & Tech