X-Chem, Inc. has entered a drug discovery collaboration with Alexion, under which X-Chem will deploy its drug discovery platform to identify novel drug candidates against targets chosen by Alexion. The platform is based on an expansive, high-diversity library of more than 100 billion molecules.
 
Alexion will have exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize novel compounds arising from the collaboration. X-Chem will receive an upfront payment and additional payments upon specified research, development, and regulatory milestones, as well as royalties on the sales.
 
“This agreement with X-Chem is an important element of Alexion’s strategy for addressing targets and developing first-in-class therapeutics for patients with life-threatening and ultra-rare disorders,” said Martin Mackay, Ph.D., executive vice president and head of Global R&D at Alexion. “We are very pleased to collaborate with X-Chem and gain access to their innovative platform.”
 
“X-Chem is excited to collaborate with Alexion, a leader in the treatment of patients with severe, rare diseases,” said Richard W. Wagner, Ph.D., chief executive officer of X-Chem. “This collaboration will enable Alexion to leverage the power of X-Chem’s discovery engine for pursuing challenging targets of clinical importance.”