Big pharma continues to invest heavily into molecular glue degraders. The latest deal has Eisai Co. Ltd. striking up a research collaboration that could bring Seed Therapeutics Inc. up to $1.5 billion in up-front and milestone payments. The two said they plan to discover, develop and commercialize MGDs for several undisclosed neurodegeneration and oncology targets.
Astrazeneca AB has described transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis and inflammatory disorders.
Nammi Therapeutics Inc. has announced a $1 million investment commitment by the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF) in a $30 million series B financing round prior to the planned start of a first-in-human phase I study of the company’s QXL-138AM in patients with locally advanced unresectable and/or metastatic solid tumors and multiple myeloma.
Researchers from Mustbio Co. Ltd. and Chung-Ang University have presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of MB-2033, a novel bispecific fusion protein being developed for the treatment of cancer.
Shinobi Therapeutics Inc. has been awarded non-dilutive grant funding of up to $59 million by the Japanese Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
Tiumbio Co. Ltd. has prepared and tested cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and fibrosis.
Tokyo-headquartered Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. said Aug. 1 that it will acquire Boston-based Jnana Therapeutics Inc. through a potential $1.125 billion M&A deal. Under the terms, Otsuka will work to close the transaction by the third quarter of 2024, with $800 million paid out to Jnana shareholders, along with up to $325 million in additional development and regulatory milestones payments.
Instil Bio Inc. plans re-energize the company by in-licensing the development and commercial rights to antibodies outside of China from Shanghai-based Immuneonco Biopharmaceuticals Inc. In return, Immuneonco is getting an undisclosed up-front payment and the chance for near-term payments of up to $50 million.