As part of the collaboration worth $300m, Boehringer and Epizyme will involve in the research, development and commercialization of novel small molecule inhibitors directed toward two previously unaddressed epigenetic targets as potential therapies for patients with cancer.
The targets are said to be enzymes within the helicase and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) families, which when dysregulated were linked to the development of cancers that currently does not have therapeutic options.
Epizyme president and CEO Robert Bazemore said: “This partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop treatments for two novel epigenetic targets, which have been historically viewed as undruggable, further validates the promise of epigenetics for oncology and our pioneering leadership in this field.”
The partnership will focus on the development of precision medicine treatments for patients with lung and other solid tumor cancers with defined mutations.
Under the deal, the companies will jointly research and develop a helicase program. Both firms will share US commercialization responsibilities, while Boehringer will take responsibility for commercialization outside the US.
The companies will also share research responsibilities for the HAT program, and Boehringer Ingelheim is responsible for worldwide development and commercialization.
As per terms of the deal, Epizyme will secure an upfront payment of 15m and an additional $5m as research funding in the next year.
Epizyme will also secure over $280m as additional payments based on the achievement of research, development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
For the helicase program, Epizyme will share a part of the global development costs and retain a share of U.S. profits and receive tiered royalties on ex-US sales. Epizyme will secure tiered royalties on worldwide sales for the HAT program.
Boehringer Ingelheim discovery research senior corporate vice president Dr Clive Wood said: “Boehringer Ingelheim’s collaboration with Epizyme furthers our strategic vision to profoundly impact the oncology treatment landscape by enabling a new generation of precision medicines.
“We are excited to launch this partnership with Epizyme and to work together with them to advance epigenetic inhibitors that have the potential to transform the lives of patients and help win the fight against difficult-to-treat cancers.”