X-Chem And Pfizer Sign Multi-Target Collaboration Agreement
Private biotech X-Chem announced that it has signed into a multi-collaboration target with Pfizer for the development of several treatments for orphan and inflammatory diseases.
Under the terms of the agreement, X-Chem will apply its drug discovery engine which uses a high diversity, proprietary DNA-encoded small molecule library to discover novel leads for Pfizer and its programs. Pfizer will have an exclusive option to license any resulting compounds over the course of the collaboration.
“The use of ultra-large and highly diverse DNA-encoded small molecule libraries has emerged as a novel technology with potential to generate leads for difficult targets of high importance. At Pfizer we are keen to explore new technologies that may help expand our pipeline of innovative medicines and are pleased to initiate this collaboration with X-Chem to access their innovative lead generation approach,” said Tony Wood, SVP of Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry at Pfizer.
X-Chem’s drug discovery platform is based on a diverse library generated by iterative combinatorial synthesis of small molecules tethered to DNA tags. These tags have a unique DNA barcode attached to them that records the synthetic history of the small molecule candidate. The library undergoes screening as a mixture using affinity-based binding to a specific target. Rare molecules that bind to the target can be removed while the rest can be washed away. The library design covers a broad range of categories including small molecular weight heterocyclic compounds, fragment molecules, and macrocyclic structures.
Rick Wagner, CEO of X-Chem, said, “With the ongoing expansion of X-Chem’s library, informatics capabilities, and screening expertise, we continue to identify lead molecules to challenging, high value therapeutic targets. Our vision is to enable breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical need by partnering our lead discovery engine with leaders in the pharmaceutical industry such as Pfizer.”
No financial terms of the agreement were disclosed by either company.