On August 28, 2024 Bayer and NextRNA Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines to address long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-driven diseases, reported that they have entered into a collaboration and license agreement to develop small molecule therapeutics targeting lncRNAs in oncology (Press release, Bayer, AUG 28, 2024, View Source [SID1234646177]). lncRNAs represent a vast class of therapeutic targets that recruit RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to drive pathological processes across diseases. Disrupting lncRNA-RBP interactions with small molecules represents an innovative approach to develop a new class of therapeutic agents.
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Bayer and NextRNA will collaborate to jointly advance two oncology programs in high unmet need indications. The first program is a lncRNA-targeting small molecule program currently in early preclinical development at NextRNA. For the second program, NextRNA will prosecute lncRNA targets that its platform has already identified, and Bayer will have the option to select one target for joint development.
"With NextRNA’s exceptional expertise and lncRNA platform, we aim to advance novel small molecule therapeutics against a new class of targets in oncology," said Juergen Eckhardt, M.D., Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. "This partnership further adds to our mission to build one of the most transformative and diversified oncology pipelines in the industry."
Under the agreement, Bayer gains access to NextRNA’s differentiated approach to inhibit the function of lncRNAs by disrupting the interaction between lncRNAs and RBPs with small molecules. NextRNA’s proprietary platform combines its computational engine NextMap with deep lncRNA biology expertise and a diverse set of biochemical, biophysics, and chemistry capabilities.
"We are excited to partner with Bayer, a recognized leader in life sciences and oncology innovation," said Dominique Verhelle, PhD, MBA, NextRNA Co-Founder and CEO. "This collaboration recognizes lncRNAs as an exciting target class and confirms NextRNA’s position as both a leader in this space and a partner-of-choice for companies seeking to develop transformative small molecule therapeutics across disease areas. We look forward to working closely with the Bayer team to advance first-in-class cancer therapies while continuing to build our pipeline in oncology and neuroscience."
Under the terms of the agreement, NextRNA will receive up to $547 million for both programs, including upfront and near-term milestone payments, research funding, and development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.