Roche aligns with Seaside Thera on novel treatments for FXS and autism

Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX) and privately-held US firm Seaside Therapeutics have entered into a collaboration to develop disease modifying treatments for fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), both neurodevelopmental disorders for which there are currently no effective pharmacological treatments that address core symptoms.

The alliance aims to speed up R&D in this field and lead a fundamental change in the treatment paradigm for FXS and ASD by developing therapeutics that target the molecular basis and, in turn, core symptoms of these neurodevelopmental disorders.  

Under the terms of the agreement, Seaside will license patents covering the use of mGluR5 antagonists for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders exclusively to Roche. The Swiss firm will subsequently lead the development and commercialization of these compounds for the treatment of FXS and ASD. Its mGluR5 drug candidate RG7090 is currently enrolling patients in a Phase II clinical trial in FXS.

Lead candidate STX209 enrolling in Ph III in FXS and Ph IIb in ASD