OMass Therapeutics Signs Exclusive Collaboration And License Deal With Genentech To Develop & Commercialize New Therapies For Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OMass Therapeutics, a biotech company focused on developing medicines for complex targets such as membrane proteins and intracellular complexes, has announced an exclusive collaboration and license deal with Genentech, part of the Roche Group. The agreement gives Genentech the rights to develop and commercialize OMass’ preclinical oral small molecule program for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics, stated, “Using our OdyssIONTM platform, we’ve been able to make significant progress on this novel first-in-class target with a differentiated mechanism of action in inflammatory bowel disease. Genentech brings a strong legacy of innovation in immunology and world class scientific expertise, making them an ideal partner for this program. We are delighted to be partnering with them and build on the progress we have made to date.”

Boris L. Zaïtra, Head of Roche Corporate Business Development, stated, “There are nearly eight million people living with IBD who are in need of innovative treatment approaches. Despite recent advancements, there is still a high unmet medical need which fuels our commitment to partnering with companies such as OMass Therapeutics focused on innovation to accelerate potentially transformative medicines and advance science.”

As part of the deal, OMass will receive an upfront payment of $20 million. The company could also earn more than $400 million in potential milestone payments linked to preclinical, development, commercial, and net sales achievements, along with tiered royalties on future net sales. Under the collaboration, OMass will manage the preclinical development of the program up to the stage of candidate selection. After that, Genentech will take charge of clinical development, regulatory approvals, manufacturing, and global commercialization.