Ascenta Therapeutics has signed a global collaboration and licensing agreement with Sanofi-Aventis for several early-stage drug candidates being investigated for their potential to restore tumor cell apoptosis (programmed cell death). These orally-active, small-molecule drug candidates inhibit the interaction between HDM2 (Human Double Minute 2) and p53, removing a block to normal p53 tumor suppressor function and potentially enhancing cancer control and treatment.

The agreement includes two agents in preclinical development, MI-773 and MI-519-64. Both companies will continue to fund research on these targets and Ascenta may participate in ongoing research activities and potential future clinical development.

Under the terms of the agreement, SA has an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize all compounds under this program. Ascenta will receive an upfront payment, as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments that could reach a total of $398 million. Ascenta is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on worldwide product sales.

“Ascenta’s mission since its founding has been to discover and develop novel small molecules that can trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. Sanofi-Aventis has a great record of bringing innovative cancer therapies like these to cancer patients around the world,” said Mel Sorensen, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Ascenta Therapeutics. “Restoring tumor suppressor function through the inhibition of the HDM2-p53 interaction offers the potential to control and prevent cancer progression. We are delighted to have Sanofi-Aventis join us and the University of Michigan in this endeavor to turn exciting science into novel cancer medicines.”