X-Chem will apply its discovery engine, powered by a high diversity DNA-encoded small molecule library, to identify novel compounds targeting proteins involved in the inflammatory response. Janssen has an exclusive option to license the drug candidates generated under the collaboration. X-Chem will receive an upfront payment, research funding, and is eligible for research, development and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on any products resulting from the collaboration.
“X-Chem’s vision is to leverage our powerful lead discovery engine to enable breakthroughs in disease areas with high unmet medical need,” said Rick Wagner, Ph.D., chief executive officer of X-Chem. “As we continue to improve our platform’s performance, we seek to combine our discovery excellence with the extensive development and commercialization expertise of collaborators such as Janssen, and to help prime their pipeline with innovative products for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.”