▎WuXiKang De/Report

Today,Skyhawk Therapeutics Announces Research and Development Collaboration with Takeda to Leverage Its SkySTAR Technology Platform for the Discovery of Novel Small-Molecule Therapies Targeting Specific Neurological Disease Targets. The SkySTAR platform is an innovative small-molecule drug discovery technology platform targeting RNA. Following WuXi AppTec’s partnersArrakis Therapeutics Completes $75 Million Series B FinancingSubsequently, another biotechnology company focused on small-molecule drugs targeting RNA has announced positive news.

RNA splicing errors can lead to a loss of mRNA expression levels, which may result in neurological disorders including neuroblastoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).Skyhawk’s SkySTAR technology platform enables the discovery of small-molecule compounds that bind to pre-mRNA, correct RNA splicing errors in the nucleus, and restore mRNA expression levels.。

Under the collaboration agreement, Skyhawk Therapeutics will be responsible for discovering innovative small-molecule therapies targeting specific neurological disease targets using its SkySTAR technology platform, as well as conducting preclinical development. Takeda will obtain exclusive global rights to research, develop, and commercialize investigational compounds directed at multiple targets, and will be responsible for the clinical development and commercialization of these investigational therapies. Skyhawk Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment, subsequent milestone-based payments, and royalties on product sales.

▲Mr. Bill Haney, Co-founder and CEO of Skyhawk Therapeutics (Image source: Official website of Skyhawk Therapeutics)

“Takeda is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience, with a long history of developing innovative therapies for multiple serious diseases,” said Mr. Bill Haney, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Skyhawk Therapeutics. “We look forward to collaborating with the Takeda team to improve treatment options for patients.”

“Takeda is committed to developing innovative therapies for central nervous system disorders that currently lack effective treatments,” said Mr. Emiliangelo Ratti, Head of the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area at Takeda. “Skyhawk’s innovative approach to correcting RNA expression will complement our expertise in small-molecule science, enhancing the likelihood of successfully targeting previously ‘undruggable’ neurological disease targets.”

References:

[1] Skyhawk Therapeutics Announces Agreement with Takeda to Develop Novel Small Molecule RNA Splicing Modifiers for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Retrieved May 6, 2019, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyhawk-therapeutics-announces-agreement-with-takeda-to-develop-novel-small-molecule-rna-splicing-modifiers-for-neurodegenerative-diseases-300844248.html

[2] Skyhawk. Retrieved May 6, 2019, from https://www.skyhawktx.com/platform

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