Collaboration Investigate’s New Line of Research for Parkinson’s

A strategic R&D partnership investigating potential drug candidates for Parkinson's disease announced by Servier and Oncodesign involves LRRK2 kinase inhibitors derived from Oncodesign's proprietary Nanocyclix® platform and their potential to act as therapeutic agents. Oncodesign will be responsible for the research program up to the selection of preclinical candidates, notably at its research site in Les Ulis, France. The program will be funded in its entirety by Servier, which has been granted an exclusive worldwide licensing option on the program, applicable when IND[1] status is obtained. The signing brings Oncodesign an initial payment of €3M, followed by other significant milestone payments until the validation of entry into Phase 1, along with €3 million in annual funding for research activities related to the project. An estimate of up to €320M ($360M) in milestones payments, excluding royalties, could be paid to Oncodesign overall.

"This partnership is a result of the choices and investments that we have made over the past 18 months to put together a portfolio of promising drug candidates derived from our Nanocyclix® platform. The pharmaceutical industry is currently showing a keen interest in new treatments for Parkinson's disease, particularly around LRRK2 kinase, which is considered as a high-potential target for treating this disease. Servier's expertise will be a key asset in the early stage of this research agreement with regard to successfully carrying out the program which, in the medium term, could lead to the development of new drug candidates. Moreover, this partnership means we can channel our own financial resources into developing our three other proprietary programs, RIPK2, ALK1 and MNK1," said Philippe Genne, PhD, CEO and founder of Oncodesign.

Christophe Thurieau, director of Servier's research centres, said: "We are thrilled to be collaborating with Oncodesign in order to work towards our common goal of developing a treatment for Parkinson's disease. Oncodesign’s expertise in LRRK2 kinase inhibitors sets it apart; it could become a treatment of choice. This partnership between Oncodesign and Servier combines a strong synergy between the proven know-how of a biopharmaceutical company and the expertise of an international pharmaceutical group."