Parkinson's disease: Servier and Oncodesign announce research and drug development partnership

Servier and Oncodesign have announced a strategic partnership for the research and development of potential drug candidates for Parkinson's disease.

This research and development partnership involves the LRRK2 kinase inhibitors derived from Oncodesign's proprietary Nanocyclix^® platform and their potential to act as therapeutic agents against Parkinson's disease. The partnership draws on the complementary expertise of Servier and Oncodesign in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and macrocyclic kinase inhibitors.

According to the terms of the agreement, Oncodesign and Servier will collaborate to ensure the success of the program. 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. This can be exercised once IND status is obtained. Oncodesign will receive an initial payment of €3M upon signing the partnership agreement, followed by other significant milestone payments until the validation of entry into Phase 1. In addition, Oncodesign will receive €3 million in annual funding for research activities related to the project. All in all, Servier could pay Oncodesign up to €320M ($360M) in milestones payments, excluding royalties.

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.”

Philippe Genne, PhD, CEO and Founder of Oncodesign

Jan Hoflack, PhD, Scientific Director and Director of Operations at Oncodesign, said:

The only therapies currently available for Parkinson's patients aim to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. LRRK2 inhibitors have the potential to act directly on the progression of the disease, which would result in improved living standards for patients. This agreement with Servier, a company that is invested in researching neurological conditions and has partnered with Oncodesign in the past, represents an important step towards meeting our goal of offering a real benefit to society through precision medicine.”

Christophe Thurieau, Director of Servier's Research Centers, 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.”