Ribosomes Function

Rib-X, Sanofi sign research collaboration agreement on antibiotics

Novel technology targets bacterial ribosomes creating an entirely new class of antibiotic therapeutics.

Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today the signature of an exclusive worldwide research collaboration agreement and option for license with Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) for novel classes of antibiotics resulting from Rib-X’s RX-04 program for the treatment of resistant Gram-positive and resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

Rib-X’s RX-04 program employs a proprietary approach for rational drug design resulting in entirely new families of compounds that have demonstrated efficacy at low, single doses in murine infection models. The RX-04 development program has shown antibacterial activity against a number of the most difficult to treat, clinically important, multi-drug resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. The Rib-X RX-04 program targets bacterial ribosomes, an internal cell component, where proteins are synthesized from amino acids and RNA. Recently presented data confirms the novel classes directly impact ribosome function and exert their anti-bacterial activity by interfering with protein synthesis.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rib-X will receive $10 million in an upfront payment. Rib-X is also eligible to receive up to an additional $9 million in near-term research-based milestones and will be eligible to receive further payments for the achievement of research, preclinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. Sanofi has the right to develop multiple products under this agreement. Except for those assets licensed to Sanofi through the agreement, Rib-X retains its rights to the discovery platform and its future programs. The agreement could result in up to $86 million in development and regulatory milestones on a per product basis. Commercial milestones could exceed $100 million on a per product basis. Rib-X retains a co-promotion option in the United States on one of the molecules coming from the collaboration. Royalty rates on net sales could reach low double digit figures.

“We could not be more excited about partnering with a preeminent global pharmaceutical company such as Sanofi. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to staying ahead of the growing problem of antibiotic resistance by delivering new standards of care for patients in need,” said Mark Leuchtenberger, President and Chief Executive Officer at Rib-X Pharmaceuticals. “The RX-04 program’s completely novel classes of antibiotics should lead to true breakthrough therapies and we look forward to working in partnership with Sanofi to advance these treatments into the clinic and eventually bring them to the global market.