AstraZeneca, Scorpion Therapeutics ink pact for novel cancer treatments against 'undruggable' targets

Axel Hoos, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Scorpion, said: "We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with AstraZeneca, whose expertise in drug development and commercialisation complements our discovery platform, which leverages cutting-edge advances in cancer biology and medicinal chemistry, including chemical proteomics, structure-based drug design and machine learning. We expect this collaboration will accelerate Scorpion's efforts to deliver the promise of 'Precision Oncology 2.0': optimised, transformational therapies for more patients living with cancer."

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Scorpion will lead discovery and certain preclinical activities. AstraZeneca has the exclusive option to licence worldwide rights for up to three drug candidates. AstraZeneca would be responsible for development and commercialisation activities worldwide following opt-in, while Scorpion would retain the option to co-develop and co-promote up to two of these programmes in the US under certain conditions, including if AstraZeneca exercises three licence options.

In the event Scorpion opts into co-developing and co-promoting a nominated programme, Scorpion will participate in the operating costs and be entitled to a proportionate share of the economics in the US, subject to certain adjustments.

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