Dewpoint Therapeutics has entered a research collaboration with Japan’s Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) to advance its novel therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The collaboration will focus on the US-based biotechnology company’s small molecule condensate modulator (c-mod) that targets the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43).
Under the terms of the agreement, Dewpoint will receive an upfront payment and milestone payments totalling up to $480m, along with tiered royalties on net sales.
Upon reaching the specified research and development milestones, MTPC can execute its exclusive option to license the programme.
After licensing, MTPC will obtain rights to develop and commercialise Dewpoint’s novel TDP-43 small molecule c-mod programme worldwide.
Dewpoint Therapeutics CEO Ameet Nathwani said: “This partnership underscores the transformative potential of our small molecule condensate modulator which aims to tackle the underlying pathology of ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases via a novel mechanism of action.
“MTPC’s unparalleled expertise in ALS, as the developer of the only FDA-approved therapy for sporadic ALS, combined with their global clinical capability and expansive patient network, makes them an ideal partner.
“Together, we are poised to accelerate the clinical development of this innovative program and bring hope to patients facing this devastating disease.”
According to Dewpoint, TDP-43 is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases and is a key pathological feature present in more than 97% of ALS patients.
The protein accumulates abnormally in membrane-less cytoplasmic structures called biomolecular condensates, which leads to neuronal dysfunction in ALS patients.
Dewpoint said it had identified a c-mod capable of mitigating the pathological TDP-43 condensates using its high-content, high-throughput screening approach.
It has selectively departitioned TDP-43 and restored its correct localisation into the nucleus while preserving the normal cellular stress response.
MTPC said central nervous system diseases are one of its key areas and is contributing to people living with ALS by delivering Radicava and Radicava ORS.
Gordon Dyal & Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Dewpoint on the deal.
MTPC research division head and vice president Masao Nawano said: “ALS remains a critical area of unmet medical needs and MTPC is committed to addressing it as the leading company in ALS therapeutics.
“There are limited treatment options for ALS patients, particularly those with sporadic ALS, where no known underlying genetic cause has been established.
“We are excited to join forces with Dewpoint to advance this promising small molecule c-mod that takes advantage of their unique expertise and cutting-edge technologies in condensate biology.”
