OncoArendi Therapeutics S.A. ('OncoArendi'; GPW: OAT) has announced the conclusion of an exclusive license option agreement with Innovation Partnerships of the University of Michigan (U-M) to develop new small molecule inhibitors of undisclosed protein for the treatment of fibrous diseases. The new inhibitors were pre-developed and validated as a result of a long-term research collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU). The University of Michigan has entered into a licensing option agreement with OncoArendi on behalf of both itself and MSU.
OncoArendi uses its unique expertise in medical chemistry to discover and develop new drugs with first-in-class potential for use in the treatment of incurable diseases by modulating RNA function and new proteins.
'The partnership with the University of Michigan, one of the world's leading research institutions, is an opportunity for us to further develop by combining the University of Michigan's expertise in identifying new biological targets in the potential treatment of fibrotic diseases with OncoArendi's expertise in small-molecule drug development in this therapeutic area,' said Nicolas Beuzen, Business Development Director at OncoArendi Therapeutics S.A. 'At OncoArendi, we continue to develop an innovative portfolio of small molecule compounds that modulate the functions of new protein targets involved in inflammatory, fibrotic and cancer processes,' he adds.
Under the terms of the agreement, OncoArendi will confirm the specific properties of a number of selective small-molecule inhibitors targeting a new therapeutic target in fibrotic diseases. Under the option agreement, the Company obtained a unilateral right to launch an exclusive, global license for these inhibitors.
'We are delighted to partner with OncoArendi, which has already proven its expertise in preclinical and clinical development as well as in the commercialization of molecules in the area of fibrous diseases,' says Bryce Pilz, Executive Director Licensing and Strategic Alliances at the University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships. 'The University of Michigan and Michigan State University are committed to initiatives that positively impact society, and together with OncoArendi, we hope to contribute to the significant development of potentially breakthrough therapies in the treatment of these unmet medical needs,' adds Bryce Pilz.
Leading molecules targeting the new therapeutic target discovered have shown significant efficacy in numerous animal models of fibrotic diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, and have also confirmed a reduction in the course of the disease compared to the current standard of treatment.
'I am convinced that thanks to our competence in medical chemistry and biology, we will fully exploit the therapeutic potential of the molecules blocking this new target by effectively optimizing the leading compounds. Cooperation with the University of Michigan, as well as with our other scientific partners, is crucial for building and further strengthening and enriching our portfolio of first-in-class projects' - adds Adam Go??biowski, Member of the Board, VP Research Chemistry and co-founder of OncoArendi Therapeutics S.A.
About OncoArendi
OncoArendi Therapeutics S.A. is a biotechnology company discovering and bringing drugs to the clinical stage, which uses its own unique competence in medical chemistry to search for and develop best-in-class small-molecule drugs that directly modulate RNA and protein targets in the treatment of many incurable diseases.
OncoArendi has generated a diverse portfolio of nine distinct programs with the support of leading academic scientific institutions around the world, including the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (MIBMiK), which has significant experience in studying the structure and function of RNA.
OncoArendi's most advanced compound is OATD-02, an oral, potent and selective, first-in-class, dual arginase inhibitor (ARG1 and ARG2) for cancer treatment, which is expected to advance to Phase 1 clinical trials in the second half of 2022.
OncoArendi has entered into an exclusive cooperation and license agreement with Galapagos for the global development and commercialization of OncoArendi's OATD-01. OATD-01 (GLPG4716) is a Phase 2 ready inhibitor of mammalian chitotriosidase/acid chitinase (CHIT1/AMCase) for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrosis-related diseases.
OncoArendi's headquarters and laboratories are located in Warsaw and od, and the Company is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (ticker: OAT).
Detailed information can be found on the LinkedIn https://oncoarendi.com/en/ pages: @OncoArendi Therapeutics | Twitter: @oncoarendi | YouTube: @OncoArendi Therapeutics
About Innovation Partnerships University of Michigan
Innovation Partnerships, an entity operating within the Office of the University of Michigan's Vice President of Research, is the primary point of contact for U-M researchers who want to increase the impact of their work by connecting with the private sector. The Innovation Partnerships team of experts helps increase the impact of U-M research through corporate-sponsored research collaborations, licensing and intellectual property strategies, and contacts with business mentors, entrepreneurs, and investors to support the creation of new businesses.
For more information, visit the https://innovationpartnerships.umich.edu.
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