Genentech, a Roche company, has signed an option and license agreement with Kineta Chronic Pain, a subsidiary of Kineta, a biopharmaceutical company, to develop Kineta’s α9/α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists for treating chronic pain.

The α9/α10 nAChR is a target for treating chronic neuropathic pain. Preclinical data showed investigational compounds that specifically target the receptor reduced pain behaviors in animal models and demonstrated disease-modifying effects, including reduced inflammation and nerve protection at the site of injury, according to information from Kineta. Kineta says the target is not believed to be expressed in the central nervous system and may lead to a safer therapy that is non-addictive and non-tolerizing.

Under the agreement, Kineta will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible to receive development and commercialization milestone payments up to $359 million based on achievement of certain predetermined milestones. Additionally, Kineta is eligible to receive high single to low double-digit royalties on sales of certain products resulting from the collaboration. Genentech has an option to license assets developed during the collaboration. If Genentech exercises its option under the agreement, Genentech would be responsible for further development and commercialization.

Source: Kineta