Roche Holding AG signs a substantial deal worth over USD2 billion with MOMA Therapeutics for the identification of new targets in cancer research.

Switzerland: Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche (ROG: SIX) has recently entered into its third licensing agreement this week. The company has signed a deal with MOMA Therapeutics, a biotech based in Cambridge, USA. Through this agreement, Roche gains access to MOMA's proprietary KnowledgeBase platform, designed to identify novel drug targets that promote cancer cell growth and survival. The Molecular Machine (cancer driver) family, consisting of over 400 proteins, plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. These include DNA replication and repair, biomolecular transport, and protein homeostasis. The enzymatic output of these proteins relies on their cycling through a series of ordered and significant conformational changes.

The MOMA KnowledgeBase was meticulously developed on the fundamental principle that functionally related targets, irrespective of sequence homology, showcase unique three-dimensional structural motifs. These motifs, in turn, can be skillfully harnessed to facilitate transformative therapeutic interventions. MOMA has successfully employed this cutting-edge platform to accelerate the process of drug discovery, particularly in the realm of the ATPase target class. By leveraging the wealth of information and insights provided by the MOMA KnowledgeBase, researchers and scientists are empowered to unlock novel avenues for the development of impactful and groundbreaking therapeutic solutions.

As part of the agreement, MOMA, a leading biotech company, will assume responsibility for target selection and development, leveraging their expertise in identifying promising therapeutic candidates. Meanwhile, Roche, a renowned pharmaceutical company, will handle the crucial IND-enabling activities, meticulously conducting clinical trials to ensure the safety and efficacy of the potential treatment. In addition to their collaborative efforts, MOMA will also have the exclusive opportunity to co-fund the late-stage development of one product, further solidifying their commitment to the partnership. In exchange for their investment, MOMA will enjoy higher royalties in the highly lucrative US market, providing them with substantial returns on their investment. This strategic collaboration between MOMA and Roche aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative therapies, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.

According to the CEO of MOMA, “Given its deep expertise and global footprint in oncology, Roche represents an ideal collaborator with whom to further advance the application of MOMA’s platform in a way that impacts patients’ lives. The vision for this collaboration was crafted jointly with Roche to enable each party to bring its strengths to pursue this shared goal. It also contributes to the long-term sustainability of MOMA’s core focus as we advance our rich pipeline of precision oncology programs to the clinic."

According to TechSci Research, Cancer is a multifaceted disease characterized by abnormal cell growth that possesses the capability to invade and metastasize. In-depth exploration of new targets in cancer research holds the promise of unraveling its complexities. By scrutinizing molecular and genetic alterations that propel cancer progression, researchers can uncover distinctive vulnerabilities unique to each cancer type, leading to the development of precise therapeutic interventions. The era of personalized medicine in cancer research is gaining momentum, tailoring treatments to an individual's specific cancer profile. The identification of novel targets plays a pivotal role in advancing this personalization, shedding light on specific genes or proteins that can be targeted for each individual's cancer.