Rgenta Therapeutics Announces Strategic Collaboration with GSK to Co-Develop RNA-Targeted Small Molecule Splicing Modulators

VCBeat learned第一时间 that on December 4, 2024, Woburn, Massachusetts, USA ——Rgenta Therapeutics announced a multi-year, multi-target strategic research alliance with GSK, a global leading pharmaceutical company.Rgenta Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel oral small-molecule RNA-targeting drugs for cancer and neurological disorders. This collaboration aims to advance the discovery and development of new RNA-targeting small-molecule splicing modulators across multiple disease areas, including oncology.

Dr. Christopher Austin, Senior Vice President of Research and Technology at GSK"We are thrilled to see that Rgenta has adopted a unique approach in discovering and developing oral small molecule splicing modulators targeting high-value targets. We are committed to collaborating with industry leaders to enhance our expertise in the field of RNA-targeted therapeutics, and we look forward to bringing this promising treatment modality to more patients."

Dr. Simon Xi, Co-founder and CEO of RgentaStated: "We are extremely honored to establish a partnership with GSK, a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry. This collaboration further confirms Rgenta's unique potential in the small-molecule RNA-targeted drug discovery platform. Through joint efforts, we hope to accelerate the development of this new class of drugs and provide patients with new treatment options."

According to the terms of the collaboration agreement, Rgenta Therapeutics will receive an upfront cash payment and near-term milestone payments of up to $46 million. The total revenue potential for each target of Rgenta could reach nearly $500 million, including option exercise fees, research and development funding, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties and future equity investments. GSK also has the right to expand the collaboration to additional targets. During the collaboration period, Rgenta Therapeutics will leverage its unique discovery platform to develop novel oral RNA-targeting small molecule splicing modulators for multiple targets designated by GSK. After exercising its options, GSK will be responsible for the subsequent development and commercialization of drug candidates.

Dr. Travis Wager, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Rgenta"We are delighted to collaborate with GSK, a company guided by a science-driven approach and with a proven track record of benefiting patients through scientific innovation, which aligns closely with our mission. This collaboration further underscores the value of our discovery platform, which has successfully advanced the first asset, RGT-61159, into clinical development—an oral small molecule specifically designed to modulate the splicing of the transcription factor MYB."

Rgenta Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing a pipeline of orally available small-molecule drugs targeting RNA, primarily focusing on oncology and neurological disorders. Rgenta's core program, RGT-61159, is an orally bioavailable small molecule designed to modulate the splicing of the well-known oncogenic transcription factor MYB. It is currently in Phase 1a/b clinical trials globally for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), colorectal cancer (CRC), other solid tumors, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Rgenta’s proprietary platform identifies targetable RNA processing events by mining large-scale genomic data and designs small molecule "binders" to modulate interactions among the spliceosome, regulatory proteins, and RNA. The company’s unique approach and leading programs focus on unlocking the therapeutic potential of historically challenging drug targets in human diseases.

Recommended reading: "Exclusive Interview with Rgenta, a Rising Star in Small Molecule Targeted RNA: Just Raised Over 50 Million USD, Collaborating with Multiple MNCs"