Beigene and Ensem Therapeutics Form Partnership to Progress Novel CDK2 Inhibitor

22 November 2023

BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235) and Ensem Therapeutics, Inc. (ENSEM) have disclosed a strategic collaboration, wherein BeiGene will acquire an exclusive global license for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application-ready oral cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitor. This partnership is in line with BeiGene's commitment to developing innovative cancer therapies, particularly addressing unmet needs in breast cancer treatment.

BeiGene, emphasized the company's dedication to advancing novel molecules for potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The addition of ENSEM's CDK2 inhibitor to BeiGene's internal Phase 1 CDK4 inhibitor enhances their early development pipeline for breast cancer and other solid tumors.

As per the agreement, ENSEM will receive an upfront payment and may be eligible for additional payments based on specific milestones, including development, regulatory, and commercial achievements. The total potential payments could reach $1.33 billion, accompanied by tiered royalties.

ENSEM, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting BeiGene as the ideal collaborator to advance their first IND-ready asset. The partnership underscores confidence in ENSEM's drug discovery and development capabilities, utilizing their Kinetic Ensemble® platform to swiftly progress potential best-in-class or first-in-class molecules. The companies are poised to bring this promising therapy into clinical trials, with ENSEM looking forward to advancing its additional pipeline programs to benefit patients in need.

 

Source: businesswire.com