Nurix eligible for $2.5B in research collaboration with Sanofi for ‘STAT6’

Nurix Therapeutics (NRIX announced an extension of the ongoing research program with Sanofi (SNY) for STAT6 . STAT6 is a key drug target in type 2 inflammation. “STAT6 is a key transcription factor within the IL-4/IL-13 signaling pathways which act as drivers of inflammation in allergic conditions. These conditions are currently treated with injectable monoclonal antibody therapies, which are designed to impede IL-4/IL-13 signaling,” said Gwenn M. Hansen, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Nurix. “Preclinical data from our STAT6 degraders show that targeted degradation of this key transcription factor provides a rapidly acting and potent blockade of signaling. We anticipate nominating a clinical candidate from this advanced preclinical program in the coming twelve months.” Under the collaboration agreement, Nurix is deploying its proprietary drug discovery platform to identify novel agents that use E3 ligases to induce degradation of specified drug targets. Sanofi has an option to license drug candidates resulting from the work, and Nurix retains its option to co-develop and co-promote future products in the United States under programs for which Nurix has exercised its option. For those programs for which Nurix exercises its option to co-develop and co-promote, the parties will split U.S profits and losses evenly and Nurix will be eligible to receive royalties on ex-U.S. sales on all optioned products. Upon signing the agreement in December 2019, Sanofi made an upfront payment of $55M and subsequently paid an additional $22M one year later to expand the scope of the collaboration. Under the agreement, Nurix remains eligible for up to a total of $2.5B in potential future milestones as well as royalties on future products. With this announcement, Nurix and Sanofi have agreed to extend the research term for the ongoing STAT6 program with the goal of nominating a development candidate in the first year of the extended term.