Celmatix and Aché Laboratórios have announced a partnership and license option agreement to research novel peripherally preferred melatonin receptor agonists. The partnership aims to address unmet needs in women's health by developing first-line therapies for different indications, beginning with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This news follows Celmatix’s April press release where it announced its melatonin receptor agonist program.

The New York, USA- based Celmatix is a preclinical-stage biotech focusing specifically on ovarian biology. Its drug program uses artificial intelligence and computational methods for drug design. The biotech’s melatonin receptor agonists target melatonin receptor type 1A (MTNR1A) and melatonin receptor type 1B (MTNR1B) to improve endocrine, metabolic and reproductive traits in PCOS.

In the collaboration, the two companies will work together to investigate the potential of the drug candidate for PCOS. Following the successful completion of these studies, the biotechs plan to enter a separate license and development agreement.

PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility, affecting approximately 15% of women of reproductive age. This is due to the incidence of fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries and hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation. The current standard of care for PCOS centres around managing symptoms through birth control pills to regularise periods, metformin to deal with insulin resistance and ovarian stimulation for ovulatory dysfunction, amongst other things.

In an 8 August press release, Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim, Celmatix’s Founder and CEO said  brought up existing research on melatonin signalling and its potential to impact reproductive traits in women with PCOS. “However, melatonin and existing selective melatonin receptor agonists are not viable therapeutics for ovarian health conditions because they have potent CNS activity that creates significant side effects, including nausea and drowsiness. By focusing on melatonin receptor action outside of the CNS, through this joint development and licensing option agreement with Aché, we are one important step closer to being able to offer relief to the millions of women with a range of ovarian health conditions, including PCOS.”