On December 21, 2020 Servier, a global pharmaceutical Group, and Celsius Therapeutics, a company focused on bringing precision medicine to patients with cancer and autoimmunity, reported a strategic collaboration focused on the identification and validation of novel colorectal cancer (CRC) drug targets (Press release, Celsius Therapeutics, DEC 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234573168]).
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"As colorectal cancer remains a leading contributor to cancer deaths worldwide, we see an urgent need to bring forward new therapeutic options for patients. Through this collaboration, we will leverage Celsius’ single-cell genomics platform, machine learning capabilities, and target validation expertise to refine our understanding of the different subtypes of CRC and discover new drug targets with the goal of developing novel precision therapies for specific patient subsets. Servier will discover and develop candidate drugs leveraging our end-to-end small molecule and large molecule capabilities," said Hugues Dolgos, Global Head of Oncology R&D at Servier.
Under the terms of collaboration, Celsius will analyze hundreds of samples from defined CRC patient populations using its proprietary single-cell genomics platform and will work to identify and validate new drug targets during the three-year research period. Servier will receive an exclusive option to research, develop, and commercialize products directed to up to three of the targets. Celsius would receive an upfront payment and research funding, and would be eligible to receive over $700 million in potential discovery, development, and commercialization milestone payments, along with tiered royalties.
"Celsius’ mission is to understand how different cell populations and cellular programs drive disease, and to translate those insights into precision therapies for patients with difficult-to-treat diseases," said Tariq Kassum, M.D., chief executive officer of Celsius. "Servier is a complementary partner with a like-minded commitment to cancer patients in need of new therapeutic options. This collaboration, along with our growing network of academic and industry partnerships, validates Celsius as a partner of choice for target discovery in oncology and autoimmune diseases."