Celgene, Nurix Target Protein Homeostasis for Next-Gen Therapies

Nurix, Inc. has entered into a strategic collaboration with Celgene Corp. for the discovery, development and commercialization of novel small molecule therapeutics in oncology, inflammation and immunology, including immuno-oncology. The companies will work to advance new therapies that function through the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) to modulate protein homeostasis, a fundamental cellular process controlling protein levels. Mutations in UPS genes are common drivers of many human cancers.
 
Nurix will receive $150 million, plus an undisclosed equity investment, for an option to license future programs. Nurix is responsible for all drug discovery and development activities through Phase I trials.
 
Celgene may license global development and commercialization rights to a program in exchange for an option fee, potential clinical, regulatory and sales milestones totaling as much as $405 million, as well as future royalties. Celgene will have worldwide rights to collaboration products, with the exception of certain products for which Nurix retains U.S. development and commercialization rights.
 
“Given its global leadership position in the UPS field, Celgene is the ideal partner for Nurix to fully realize the potential of our unique drug discovery engine for small molecule activators and inhibitors of E3 ubiquitin ligases and E2 conjugating enzymes,” said Arthur T. Sands, chief executive officer of Nurix. “With a shared vision to create a new class of drugs that work by selectively modulating cellular protein levels, we have designed a transformative collaboration that empowers Nurix to move its pipeline from discovery through development and commercialization. We look forward to working with Celgene, the pre-eminent company in development and commercialization of therapies targeting the UPS.”
 
“Consistent with our deep commitment and competitive position in the arena of protein homeostasis, we are excited to initiate this collaboration with the exceptional team that Nurix has assembled. This collaboration extends our approach in the E3 ubiquitin ligase space, and provides a highly complementary effort addressing important targets in oncology and immune-inflammatory diseases,” said Thomas Daniel, M.D., president, Global R&D at Celgene.