Recludix Pharma, Inc., a platform provider for the discovery of inhibitors of challenging targets for inflammatory disease and cancer, has entered a strategic collaboration with Sanofi US to develop and commercialize oral small molecule STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) inhibitors for immunological and inflammatory (I&I) diseases. STAT6 is believed to play a key role in multiple dermatological and respiratory diseases.
 
Sanofi will have global rights to small molecule STAT6 inhibitors. Recludix will advance STAT6 inhibitors from preclinical R&D until the start of Phase 2 trials. Sanofi will assume worldwide clinical development and commercialization responsibilities thereafter. Recludix has the option to participate in U.S. profit/loss share, which includes the ability to share equally in the costs, profits and losses, and to certain co-promotion activities for the partnered product in the U.S.
 
Recludix will receive $125 million in near-term payments, and may receive more than $1.2 billion in potential development, regulatory and sales milestones, as well as royalties on future product sales.
 
“This collaboration for the advancement of a preclinical oral STAT6 inhibitor speaks to our ability to successfully solve the challenge of drugging this attractive, yet elusive, therapeutic target,” said Nancy Whiting, PharmD, CEO of Recludix. “We are proud of the breakthroughs we have made in drugging SH2 domains as demonstrated by the STAT6 program and we are excited to partner with Sanofi who shares our vision for advancing an oral STAT6 inhibitor forward quickly for the benefit of patients. This strategic collaboration empowers the program while ensuring meaningful development participation and economic value for Recludix.”
 
“Recludix’s approach to targeting STAT6 has significant potential for a number of I&I diseases, especially where a precisely tailored oral therapy could best fit within the patient’s needs at various stages of disease,” said Frank Nestle, Global Head of Research & CSO at Sanofi. “We are excited to partner with the Recludix team to continue to advance innovative strategies for targeting this previously considered undruggable target, aligned with our mission to best serve patients with inflammatory disease.”