Anima Biotech brings mRNA biology modulators to AbbVie against oncology and immunology targets

A USD $42 million collaboration between AbbVie and Anima Biotech aims to leverage the latter’s mRNA Lightning technology platform to enhance therapeutic development programs in oncology and immunology.

Anima’s platform provides differentiated approaches towards the discovery of small molecule mRNA drugs and mechanisms of action. By combining high-scale phenotypic screening, experiments involving live mRNA biology are automated with MOAi technology utilising artificial intelligence to determine the mechanism of action for active molecules, allowing for a broad pipeline development for 18 different therapeutic discovery programs. The mRNA Lightning platform will provide AbbVie exclusive rights to license, develop, and commercialise these programs. 

AbbVie is set to give an upfront payment of USD $42 million with eligibility to receive up to USD $540 million in option fees and R&D milestones across three targets. Further commercial achievements may also result in tiered royalties on net sales. AbbVie will also have an option to expand the collaboration for up to three additional therapeutic targets under the same terms and conditions. 

In a statement, VP and Global Head of Discovery Research at AbbVie Jonathon Sedgwick commented: “This collaboration will give AbbVie access to Anima’s leading technology platform and deep expertise in mRNA biology and will help further strengthen AbbVie’s world class capabilities in discovering and developing drugs to make a difference in patient’s lives. Modulating mRNA biology with small molecules is a new approach and has the potential to address ‘undruggable’ targets with implications across multiple therapy areas.” 

Co-founder and CEO of Anima Yochi Slonim added: “Anima’s differentiated approach in the field of small molecule mRNA drugs combines phenotypic screening with AI-driven elucidation of the mechanisms of action. The power of our mRNA Lightning platform is validated by our multiple partnerships and a growing internal pipeline. We are excited to partner with AbbVie, a recognised global leader in oncology and immunology, and are looking forward to start working with their excellent scientific team in a close collaboration.” 

Source: AbbVie and Anima Biotech Announce Collaboration for the Discovery and Development of mRNA Biology Modulators against Oncology and Immunology Targets | AbbVie News Center