Remix Therapeutics, an RNA-focused company launched over a year ago developing its REMaster drug discovery platform, has entered a strategic small molecule discovery and development collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., a division of Johnson & Johnson.
 
The collaboration leverages Remix’s REMaster platform for the discovery and development of small molecule therapies that modulate RNA processing. While the collaboration details have not been disclosed, Janssen will have exclusive rights to three specific targets with applications in immunology and oncology. The companies did not disclose targets or indications for the small molecules being developed.   
 
Remix Chief Executive Officer Peter Smith said, “This collaboration further validates the therapeutic potential of our proprietary REMaster drug discovery platform.” He added that the funds from the collaboration will provide Remix with the additional resources necessary to continue to develop the company’s own pipeline of potential therapeutic candidates.” 
 
According to the company, the REMaster platform is stabilized by three legs; data analytics, bespoke high-throughput screening technologies and next-generation chemistry. This approach allows the company to precisely identify and target RNA processing steps in order to enhance or eliminate protein function or correct dysregulation in disease. 
 
Remix will receive an initial payment of $45 million in cash. The company is also eligible for preclinical, clinical, commercial and sales milestone payments. For any assets discovered and developed, Remix is eligible for royalties. 
 
Remix is designing therapeutics that target RNA processing in order to “fine-tune” how new RNA sequences are produced. The company’s small molecule technology can correct mutations at all of the RNA levels. Those small molecules are designed to be taken orally, which will allow therapeutic modulation throughout the body, including the central nervous system. By targeting RNA processing, there is the potential to address a broad range of diseases, including cancers, rare diseases and those of the central nervous system.