Targeted RNA-modifying enzyme $17 million upfront payment to help develop small molecule anti-cancer therapies

On October 14, 2021, Exelixis and STORM Therapeutics announced that they have reached a research and development cooperation agreement to jointly develop innovative small-molecule anti-cancer therapies that change the function of RNA

For RNA drugs, the main challenges it faces include: targeting the right tissue, pharmacokinetics, and stability

Tumor cells produce a large amount of adenosine deaminase called ADAR1, which reduces the ability of dsRNA to activate the immune system by editing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules

According to the terms of the agreement, Exelixis will pay STORM an upfront payment of US$17 million, obtain licenses for two discovery projects for RNA-modifying enzymes (including ADAR1), and provide funding for STORM's discovery research activities

Reference materials:

[1] Exelixis and STORM Therapeutics Enter into Exclusive Collaboration and License Agreement to Discover and Develop Inhibitors of Novel RNA Modifying Enzymes.