AstraZeneca will collaborate with Accent Therapeutics to discover, develop and commercialize 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 knowledge 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,” José Baselga, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca said.
“This collaboration leverages both AstraZeneca’s vast cancer expertise and resources and Accent’s rich pipeline of RMP therapeutic programs to bring new and potentially life-changing medicines to patients. This collaborative effort will enable us to rapidly advance and achieve the rich therapeutic potential of these exciting programs,” Shakti Narayan, Chief Executive Officer, Accent Therapeutics said.
Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Accent will be responsible for research and development activities for a nominated preclinical program through to the end of Phase I clinical trials. Following completion of Phase I, AstraZeneca will lead development and commercialization activities for the program, with Accent having the option to jointly develop and commercialize with AstraZeneca in the US. AstraZeneca will also have the exclusive option to license worldwide rights to two further preclinical discovery programs, for which Accent will conduct certain preclinical activities.