X-Chem, Pfizer to develop new treatments for inflammatory, orphan diseases

The collaboration is focused on the potential development of several programs for the treatment of inflammatory and orphan diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, X-Chem is applying its discovery engine, which leverages a high diversity, proprietary DNA-encoded small molecule library to seek the identification of novel leads for the Pfizer programs.

Pfizer has an exclusive option to license any compounds generated in the course of the collaboration. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"The use of ultra-large and highly diverse DNA-encoded small molecule libraries has emerged as a novel technology with potential to generate leads for difficult targets of high importance," said Tony Wood, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer.

"At Pfizer we are keen to explore new technologies that may help expand our pipeline of innovative medicines and are pleased to initiate this collaboration with X-Chem to access their innovative lead generation approach."

"With the ongoing expansion of X-Chem’s library, informatics capabilities, and screening expertise, we continue to identify lead molecules to challenging, high value therapeutic targets," said Rick Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of X-Chem.

"Our vision is to enable breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical need by partnering our lead discovery engine with leaders in the pharmaceutical industry such as Pfizer."

"Through a series of strategic research collaborations, and repeated success at reaching collaboration goals and licensing programs to our partners, X-Chem has demonstrated its ability to structure and execute partnerships that bring significant value to both parties," said Diala Ezzeddine, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer of X-Chem.