AstraZeneca and Moderna Therapeutics agree on developing new messenger RNA therapies
AstraZeneca and Moderna Therapeutics have entered into an agreement focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics for cardiometabolic diseases and cancer.
AstraZeneca announced on March 21, 2013, an exclusive agreement with Moderna Therapeutics to discover, develop, and commercialize messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics. The collaboration targets serious cardiometabolic diseases and cancer.
This new therapeutic approach enables the body to produce therapeutic proteins in vivo, potentially offering new treatment options for diseases that current technologies cannot address. AstraZeneca will make an upfront payment of $240 million and will have exclusive access for up to five years to select targets in cardiometabolic diseases and oncology.
Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will lead preclinical and clinical development and commercialization. Moderna will be responsible for designing and manufacturing the mRNA for selected targets. Moderna is also eligible for up to $180 million for achieving technical milestones, along with development and commercial milestone payments and royalties.
Moderna's proprietary approach utilizes mRNA with naturally occurring nucleotide analogues designed to stimulate the body's ability to produce therapeutic proteins without triggering an innate immune response. This method is expected to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with producing therapeutic proteins compared to current recombinant technologies.
The agreement's effectiveness is contingent upon the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.