Nimbus Discovery, a US-based biotechnology company, has entered into a co-development agreement with Shire aiming at small molecule treatments for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), which are considered as the rare genetic diseases.
The collaboration aims to utilize the Nimbus breakthrough computational chemistry approach to discover and develop novel, disease-altering therapies.
As per the agreement, Nimbus will use its research and development platform to extensively profile molecules against the agreed upon disease target and will deliver a drug candidate that is ready to enter late preclinical studies.
Nimbus will control and conduct all related research up to achievement of drug candidate status at which point Shire will have an exclusive option to gain the program.
Shire will be responsible for all clinical development and future commercialization activities.
Nimbus is eligible to receive preclinical, development and commercial stage milestones commensurate with the innovative nature of the research and significant unmet medical need of the disease indications.
Nimbus chief scientific officer Rosana Kapeller said that the collaboration validates the company's computationally-driven, structure-based drug discovery engine and innovative partnering model.
Shire Research and Development vice president Philip Vickers said, "As a leader in rare diseases, this partnership is another way for Shire to ensure that we expand into new disease areas and continue to apply cutting edge technologies in this space."
This is the first deal announced through Shire's strategic alliance with Atlas Venture, which identifies investments for early stage venture creation around rare genetic diseases.
