Lundbeck will work together with the US-based Rgenta Therapeutics to discover small molecules targeting RNA regulation and splicing of disease-causing genes.

“With this strategic R&D collaboration with Rgenta, we continue to supplement our research activities across the value chain. By using Rgenta’s platform capabilities in discovering RNA-targeting small molecules, we aim to pursue novel targets previously inaccessible,” says Tarek Samad, Senior Vice President and Head of Research, Lundbeck.

RNA-targeting

This partnership gives access to technology that targets RNA pathways. The strategic collaboration will apply Rgenta’s novel discovery platform to identify and optimize RNA-targeting with small molecules. Lundbeck holds the opportunity to exclusively license potential drug candidates for further development and commercialization.

“Targeting RNA is a new approach in Lundbeck’s research, and the strategic partnership is important in terms of building capabilities within this area,” says Klaus Bæk Simonsen, Vice President for Molecular Discovery and Innovation, Lundbeck.

Up to 10 million USD

Rgenta will receive up to 10 million USD in upfront and near-term payments from Lundbeck in the initial phases of the collaboration and may also earn up to 100 million USD in potential clinical and commercial milestone payments for an initial target-based program. In addition, Rgenta is eligible to receive tiered royalties on global net sales of products resulting from the collaboration. Lundbeck and Rgenta may elect to expand the partnership to include other brain disease targets for additional consideration.

About Rgenta Therapeutics

Rgenta Therapeutics is developing a pipeline of oral, small-molecule RNA-targeting medicines with an initial focus on oncology and neurological disorders. Its platform mines the massive genomics data to identify targetable RNA processing events and design small-molecule glues to modulate the interactions among the spliceosome, regulatory proteins, and RNAs.

Photo of Tarek Samad: Lundbeck