MiNA Therapeutics has entered a research partnership and licensing agreement with Nippon Shinyaku to develop small activating RNA (RNAa) therapeutics for rare neurodegenerative ailments.
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
RNAa therapeutics are oligonucleotides that can enhance the target gene’s transcription.
The partnership aims to discover, develop and commercialise RNAa therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases that currently lack treatment options.
MiNA will leverage its RNAa algorithm and technology platform for the detection and characterisation of RNAa molecules for rare genetic diseases that impact the central nervous system.
Nippon Shinyaku will hold an option to secure an exclusive licence to advance the research, development and marketing of pharmaceutical candidates arising from the collaboration contingent on early-stage preclinical outcomes.
MiNA will receive upfront and development-based milestone payments linked to the delivery of characterised RNAa molecules from Nippon Shinyaku.
Should Nippon Shinyaku exercise the exclusive option for further development and marketing, the company will be responsible for paying option fees and milestone payments apart from royalties based on the progress and sales post-product launch.
MiNA's RNAa platform has undergone clinical validation in more than 120 patients. It can target any gene due to its endogenous mechanism of action.
This approach tackles the root cause of genetic defects and empowers the body to self-correct.
MiNA Therapeutics CEO Robert Habib stated: “We are proud and excited to announce this collaboration with Nippon Shinyaku, [which has] prioritised rare genetic diseases as part of their impressive research and development capabilities.
“Our RNAa therapeutic platform has delivered unique and differentiated clinical benefits in previous studies, demonstrating its potential to have significant benefits over other genetic medicine approaches.”
The latest development comes after Nippon Shinyaku entered an exclusive agreement for licensing the Japanese rights for Vicore Pharma’s idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis therapy C21.
