AstraZeneca will collaborate with Accent Therapeutics to discover, develop and commercialize transformative therapeutics targeting RNA-modifying proteins (RMPs) for the treatment of cancer.
This collaboration focuses on targeting RMPs, proteins that control many aspects of RNA biology and represents a new approach for addressing the process disruptions that can lead to cancer and can cause resistance to medicines. It combines AstraZeneca’s expertise bringing forward novel oncology medicines with Accent’s expertise in the biology, target identification and drug discovery of RMP-targeting therapies.
“The promise of RMP inhibition is a compelling area of exploration for AstraZeneca. With this collaboration, we will seek to identify novel targets and unlock the full potential of our medicines. We believe that the Accent team’s expertise in RNA-modifying protein biology and drug discovery complements AstraZeneca’s extensive research and development portfolio,” says José Baselga, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca.
Terms of the agreement
Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Accent will be responsible for research and development activities for a nominated preclinical programme through to the end of Phase I clinical trials. Following completion of Phase I, AstraZeneca will lead development and commercialisation activities for the programme, with Accent having the option to jointly develop and commercialise with AstraZeneca in the US. AstraZeneca will also have the exclusive option to license worldwide rights to two further preclinical discovery programmes, for which Accent will conduct certain preclinical activities.
An upfront payment of $55m
Accent will receive an upfront payment of $55m and is eligible to receive additional success-based payments across all programmes in the form of option fees and milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales ranging from mid-single digit to low-double digits. In the event Accent opts into co-developing and co-commercialising the nominated programme, profits and losses will be split in the US.
Photo of José Baselga: AstraZeneca
