Bayer and NextRNA: One partnership, two oncology programs

Together, the firms will advance two oncology programs in “high unmet need indications.”

The first program is a lncRNA-targeting small molecule program, which is in early preclinical development at NextRNA. NextRNA will use targets identified by its lncRNA platform for its second program and Bayer will exercise the right to select one target for joint development.

“With NextRNA’s exceptional expertise and lncRNA platform, we aim to advance novel small molecule therapeutics against a new class of targets in oncology. This partnership further adds to our mission to build one of the most transformative and diversified oncology pipelines in the industry,” said head of business development and licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Juergen Eckhardt.

NextRNA’s platform combines its computational engine named NextMap with the firm’s lncRNA knowledge, alongside a wide range of biochemical, biophysics, and chemistry capabilities. The deal could see the Boston, Massachusetts-based company receive up to $547 million for both programs, dependent on development and commercial milestone payments, and tiered royalties on net sales.

lncRNAs are therapeutic targets that engage RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to advance pathological processes across various diseases. Disturbing lnc-RNA-RBP interactions with small molecules creates the opportunity to develop new therapeutic agents.

A spokesperson for NextRNA told BioXconomy the deal was conceived when its co-founder and CEO Dominique Verhelle met a key member of the Bayer team at a conference not long after NextRNA’s launch in March 2022.

“Given Bayer’s interest in oncology innovation and breakthrough science, it continued to follow NextRNA’s progress as the company built its platform and advanced discovery efforts for lncRNA-directed small molecules in oncology. As NextRNA’s platform and the lead program matured, the companies moved into formal discussions about a collaboration.”

The significance of strategy

With each deal signed, a strategy is put in place to ensure both parties reach their respective goals. The three-year partnership between Bayer and NextRNA is no exception to this, and the spokesperson told us “We mutually intend for this to be a true collaboration, where each party will have important contributions.”

Bayer will bring “deep expertise” in oncology advancement and commercialization, as well as “an exceptionally strong legacy in small molecule development, and important R&D investment and thought-partnership resources.” NextRNA will provide its platform as well as lending its knowledge in identifying and drugging “lncRNAs with small molecules.”

Bayer’s oncology activity

Bayer has been a player in the oncology space for many years. Some of the deals they have made include: