The collaboration involves combining Cullgen's uSMITE targeted protein degradation platform, which utilises novel E3 ligands, with Astellas' expertise in drug discovery
The two companies will engage in joint research to identify potential candidates for clinical development. (Credit: Testalize.me on Unsplash)
Astellas Pharma and Cullgen have recently announced a research collaboration accompanied by an exclusive option agreement aimed at discovering and developing innovative protein degraders.
The collaboration involves combining Cullgen’s uSMITE targeted protein degradation platform, which utilises novel E3 ligands, with Astellas’ expertise in drug discovery. Together, the two companies will engage in joint research to identify potential candidates for clinical development.
During this collaborative research, Astellas will hold an exclusive option to license the rights for clinical development and commercialisation of any protein degrader compounds discovered.
Cullgen, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to participate equally in the costs, profits, and losses during the early stages of clinical development.
Additionally, Cullgen retains the right to co-promote partnered products in the United States for the lead program, previously identified as a cell cycle protein degrader for the treatment of breast cancer and other solid tumours.
Astellas chief strategy officer Adam Pearson said: “Targeted Protein Degradation is one of the Primary Focuses of Astellas.
“We hope this collaboration will bring synergies between the two companies’ cutting-edge research and will ultimately lead to the expansion of Astellas’ portfolio and development of new therapeutics for patients with significant unmet medical needs.”
Cullgen president and CEO Ying Luo said: “We are excited to enter into this strategic collaboration with Astellas using our novel E3 ligands which we discovered in-house,”
“We are looking forward to working with Astellas to advance more targeted protein degraders into clinical development.”
As part of their collaboration, Astellas will make an initial upfront payment of $35m to Cullgen. Additionally, upon Astellas’ exercise of the license option for the lead programme, Cullgen will be entitled to receive an additional payment of $85m.
The total compensation for Cullgen has the potential to surpass $1.9bn if Astellas exercises all of its license options and achieves all milestones across the various programs. Furthermore, Cullgen is eligible to receive royalty payments based on potential commercial sales made by Astellas.