The broad partnership centers on five drug candidates that Synosis will acquire from Roche, including four phase I molecules, which target the central nervous system. Roche had discontinued the development of these compounds in previous reprioritization processes.
“Unlike the traditional licensing model, this deal shows how venture capitalists and pharma can build partnerships based on a whole portfolio of promising clinical-stage drug candidates,” said Brad Bolzon, managing director of Versant Ventures.
Under the terms of the deal, Synosis will be responsible for the clinical development and, in some cases, commercialization of the drug candidates in multiple indications. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.