Roche in deal with Oryzon to develop epigenetics-based medicines; Buys IQuum

Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX) has entered to a worldwide collaboration with Spanish functional genomics firm Oryzon Genomics to research, develop and commercialize inhibitors of lysine specific demethylase-1 (LSD1; KDM1A), an epigenetic modulator that regulates gene expression.

Under the terms of the accord, Oryzon will get an upfront payment and near-term milestones totalling $21 million, plus potential development, commercial and sales milestones across hematology, cancer and non-malignant indications that could exceed $500 million, together with tiered royalties on sales which range up to mid-double digits, said Roche.

Lead agent ORY-1001 currently in Phase I/IIa study in AML