Roche Purchases Rights To Oryzon Genomics' Experimental Cancer Drug

Pharmaceutical giant Roche has purchased the rights to Oryzon Genomics' experimental cancer drug. In addition, Roche and Oryzon Genomics have announced their intent to collaborate to research, develop, and commercialize LSD1 inhibitors for oncology, heamatology, and non-malignant conditions.

The experimental drug ORY-1001 blocks the Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 enzyme, which is a key culprit in the development of certain types of leakaemia. ORY-1001 was granted orphan drug status in the EU last year and is currently in early-stage clinical testing for acute myeloid leukemia, Reuters says.

Under the terms of the deal, Roche will be responsible for developing and commercializing ORY-1001 and its backup compounds.  There are also two patent families Oryzon has created through its research on LSD1 that will need to be licensed. This agreement also includes a two-year collaborative research program between Oryzon and Roche’s Translational Clinical Research Center in New York that will help the two companies better determine the potential of LSD1 inhibitors in oncology and hematology.

Roche's Head of Pharma Research and Early Development, John Reed, released a statement about the partnership. “Oryzon is working at the leading edge of LSD1 inhibition, a technology with great potential to bring genuine patient benefit. Our TCRC in New York has been launched with a mandate to identify partnerships that drive innovation, providing an industry-leading conduit between sources of breakthrough science and the broader Roche organization. This collaboration on LSD1 inhibition with Oryzon fulfils that mandate perfectly,” said Reed.

Roche will pay Oryzon $21 million immediately, and if the company is able to meet certain milestone goals, the company could make as much as $500 million more. If the drug makes it to the market, Roche will pay Oryzon mid-double digit percentage royalties.