AstraZeneca (UK) has entered into a research collaboration and licence agreement with Horizon Discovery focused on exploring a range of oncology-relevant genotypes with the aim of identifying and validating a number of novel drug targets. As per the agreement, Horizon will investigate a set of genotypes for synthetic lethality, with the company set to perform in vitro screening activities using its proprietary siRNA Platform. Horizon will then validate the resulting hits, while AstraZeneca will have the right to exercise exclusivity over any validated targets.

While the upfront payment amount to be made to Horizon was not disclosed, the company would also be eligible to receive milestone payments of up to USD 88 million.