AstraZeneca partners with Scorpion for hard-to-get cancer targets

Undoing the Undruggable

Global pharma AstraZeneca has signed a collaboration agreement with cancer startup star Scorpion Therapeutics for developing precision medicines against previously hard-to-target cancer proteins. The two companies will discover, develop and commercialize novel cancer treatments against “undruggable” targets.

Scorpion, a Massachusetts-based biotech now helmed by former GSK exec Axel Hoos, will receive an upfront cash payment of $75 million from AstraZeneca and is eligible to receive additional success-based payments.

The new collaboration focuses on a class of proteins called transcription factors, which control gene expression and can regulate important cellular processes including cell growth and survival. Many transcription factors have long been identified as important targets for new cancer treatments and as drivers of disease, but have previously been considered 'undruggable’ using conventional drug discovery approaches, according to AstraZeneca.

The partnership will combine Scorpion’s fully integrated discovery platform — which leverages advances in cancer biology and medicinal chemistry, including chemical proteomics, structure-based drug design and machine learning — with AstraZeneca’s oncology prowess.

AstraZeneca has signed a collaboration agreement with Scorpion Therapeutics to discover, develop and commercialize precision medicines against previously hard-to-target cancer proteins, with the potential to transform oncology treatment.

The new collaboration focuses on a class of proteins called transcription factors, which control gene expression and can regulate important cellular processes including cell growth and survival. Many transcription factors have long been identified as important targets for new cancer treatments and as drivers of disease,1 but have previously been considered 'undruggable’ using conventional drug discovery approaches.

To overcome the challenges of targeting transcription factors and to reach underserved patient populations, the collaboration will combine Scorpion’s fully integrated discovery platform with AstraZeneca’s leadership in developing and commercializing precision medicines for cancer treatment.

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “Unlocking potentially transformative biology is pivotal for delivering the next wave of cancer treatments. Scorpion’s innovative platform is a strong strategic fit as we explore a range of new modalities across our broad drug discovery toolbox with promise to disrupt the activity of these highly-validated cancer targets.”

Axel Hoos, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Scorpion, added, “We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with AstraZeneca, whose expertise in drug development and commercialization complements our discovery platform, which leverages cutting-edge advances in cancer biology and medicinal chemistry, including chemical proteomics, structure-based drug design and machine learning. We expect this collaboration will accelerate Scorpion’s efforts to deliver the promise of ‘Precision Oncology 2.0’: optimized, transformational therapies for more patients living with cancer.”  

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Scorpion will lead discovery and certain preclinical activities. AstraZeneca has the exclusive option to license worldwide rights for up to three drug candidates. AstraZeneca would be responsible for development and commercialization activities worldwide following opt-in, while Scorpion would retain the option to co-develop and co-promote up to two of these programs in the US under certain conditions, including if AstraZeneca exercises three license options.

Scorpion will receive an upfront cash payment of $75 million and is eligible to receive additional success-based payments in the form of option fees and milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales ranging from mid-single digit to low-double digits. If Scorpion opts into co-developing and co-promoting a nominated program, Scorpion will participate in the operating costs and be entitled to a proportionate share of the economics in the US, subject to certain adjustments.