Sanofi and Kymera Therapeutics, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company, have entered into a multi-program strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize protein-degrader therapies for immune-inflammatory diseases, in a deal worth up to $2.15 billion ($150 million upfront with more than $2 billion in potential milestones plus royalty payments).

Under the collaboration, Sanofi will make an upfront payment of $150 million in cash to Kymera for global rights to develop its small-molecule interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) protein degraders in inflammation and immunology indications and for a second earlier-stage undisclosed program. IRAK4 is a key protein involved in inflammation mediated by the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and IL-1 receptors (IL-1Rs). While TLR and IL-1R signaling via IRAK4 is involved in the normal immune response, aberrant activation of these pathways is the underlying cause of multiple immune-inflammatory conditions, according to information from Kymera.

Kymera will advance the IRAK4 program through Phase I clinical trials, and Sanofi will assume clinical development and commercialization responsibilities thereafter. Sanofi will lead all clinical development activities for the second program. Kymera will have the option to participate in the development of both programs in the US during clinical development and commercialization, including the ability to participate equally in the costs, profits and losses after opt-in, and to co-promote partnered products in the US. Kymera will retain global rights to its IRAK4 program in oncology indications.

Source: Kymera Therapeutics