AbbVie and Anima Biotech entered a collaboration to discover and develop mRNA biology modulators for three targets across Oncology and Immunology. Anima will use its mRNA Lightning platform to discover novel mRNA biology modulators against the collaboration targets providing AbbVie exclusive rights to license and further develop and commercialize the programs.
 
Anima will receive $42 million upfront and may be eligible to receive as much as $540 million in option fees and R&D milestones across the three targets, with potential for further commercial milestones and royalties on sales. AbbVie has an option to expand the collaboration with up to three additional targets under the same terms as the initial collaboration, which may increase the potential value of the collaboration.
 
“This collaboration will give AbbVie access to Anima’s leading technology platform and deep expertise in mRNA biology and will help further strengthen AbbVie’s world class capabilities in discovering and developing drugs to make a difference in patient’s lives,” said Jonathon Sedgwick, Ph.D., vice president and global head of discovery research, AbbVie. “Modulating mRNA biology with small molecules is a new approach and has the potential to address ‘undruggable’ targets with implications across multiple therapy areas.”
 
“Anima’s differentiated approach in the field of small molecule mRNA drugs combines phenotypic screening with AI-driven elucidation of the mechanisms of action. The power of our mRNA Lightning platform is validated by our multiple partnerships and a growing internal pipeline,” said Yochi Slonim, co-founder and chief executive officer, Anima. “We are excited to partner with AbbVie, a recognized global leader in Oncology and Immunology, and are looking forward to start working with their excellent scientific team in a close collaboration.”