Gilead Sciences and Second Genome, a microbiome clinical-stage company, have entered into a four-year collaboration worth up to $338 million ($38 million upfront and up to $300 million in milestones) to identify biomarkers associated with clinical response in up to five of Gilead’s pipeline compounds in inflammation, fibrosis and other diseases, and to identify potential new targets and drug candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Under the agreement, Second Genome will use its proprietary Microbiome Analytics Platform to identify biomarkers associated with clinical response to Gilead’s investigational medicines. This work will use the latest insights in microbiome science to help inform patient stratification and optimize potential treatments. The platform, in combination with additional discovery and development tools, will also seek to identify new targets and drug candidates relevant to IBD. This will include the identification of up to five IBD targets or drug candidates over the next four years, with an option to extend the collaboration for an additional two years. 

Under the agreement, Second Genome will receive $38 million in an upfront payment, and up to approximately $300 million in success-based preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones for each of five target discovery programs as well as low double-digit royalties for any approved products. In addition, it will receive success-based milestones for each validated biomarker delivered under the agreement. 

Gilead will have the option to worldwide rights for up to five programs for all diseases as well as exclusive rights to all biomarkers developed under the collaboration.

Source: Gilead Sciences and Second Genome