On March 11, 2022 OncoArendi Therapeutics S.A. ("OncoArendi"; WSE: OAT), a clinical stage biotechnology company that uses its world leading medicinal chemistry capabilities to discover and develop first-in-class small molecule drug candidates that directly modulate RNA and unexplored protein targets to treat multiple incurable diseases, reported it has entered into an option-to-license agreement with Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan (U-M) to develop novel small molecule inhibitors of an undisclosed target, for the treatment of fibrotic diseases (Press release, OncoArendi Therapeutics, MAR 11, 2022, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oncoarendi-therapeutics-announces-a-license-option-agreement-with-university-of-michigan [SID1234609978]). The novel inhibitors were generated and initially validated as a result of a long-standing research collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU). U-M entered in the option-to-license agreement with OncoArendi on behalf of both U-M and MSU.
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
"We are thrilled to be partnering with the University of Michigan, one of the world’s leading research institutions. This collaboration seeks to capitalize on OncoArendi’s expertise in fibrotic and inflammatory diseases together with the University of Michigan’s capability in identifying novel targets and new small molecule leads for the treatment of multiple fibrotic diseases" said Nicolas Beuzen, Director of Business Development and Licensing. "At OncoArendi, we continue to expand and advance our novel small molecule pipeline modulating challenging protein targets involved in inflammation and fibrosis or cancer, with the potential to develop curative treatments."
Under the terms of the agreement, OncoArendi will confirm certain properties of a series of selective small molecule inhibitors targeting this novel therapeutic target in fibrosis. OncoArendi will then have the option to obtain exclusive rights for a worldwide license to these inhibitors.
"We are pleased to enter into a partnership with OncoArendi, which has a proven track record of success in preclinical, clinical and business development in fibrotic diseases," said Bryce Pilz, Executive Director of Licensing and Strategic Alliances at U-M Innovation Partnerships. "The University of Michigan, as well as MSU, is committed to positively impacting society, and together with OncoArendi we hope to contribute to the advancement of potential breakthrough therapeutics for these under-served diseases."
Lead molecules against this novel target have shown significant efficacy in multiple animal models of fibrosis, including pulmonary fibrosis, and superior ability to affect the course of the disease compared to the existing standard of care.
Adam Golebiowski, VP Research Chemistry and co-founder of OncoArendi added, "We are confident that we can use our medicinal chemistry engine to unlock the potential of inhibiting this novel target and optimize lead molecules against it. This alliance with U-M as with our other academic partners is key to building our pipeline of first in class assets."