Novartis and Monte Rosa Therapeutics have announced a global, exclusive licensing agreement potentially worth up to $2.1 billion to advance novel molecular glue degrader (MGD)-based medicines targeting vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (VAV1) for immune-mediated conditions. The collaboration centers on MRT-6160, a Phase I drug candidate developed by Monte Rosa, and other VAV1 MGDs.
Agreement Details
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay Monte Rosa an upfront fee of $150 million for exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize MRT-6160 and other VAV1 MGDs. Monte Rosa is eligible to receive up to $2.1 billion in development, regulatory, and sales milestones, beginning with the initiation of Phase II clinical studies for MRT-6160. Additionally, Monte Rosa will receive tiered royalties on ex-US net sales. Novartis will assume responsibility for all clinical development and commercialization of MRT-6160 starting at Phase II, while Monte Rosa will complete the ongoing Phase I study and co-fund any Phase III clinical development. Furthermore, Monte Rosa will share profits and losses associated with manufacturing and commercialization of MRT-6160 in the United States.
MRT-6160: Targeting VAV1
MRT-6160 is an orally bioavailable investigational degrader of VAV1, a key signaling protein downstream of both T- and B-cell receptors. Preclinical studies have indicated that MRT-6160 achieves deep degradation of VAV1, leading to a significant reduction in cytokines associated with immune-mediated conditions. The compound has also demonstrated selectivity, with no detectable effects on other proteins. Preclinical models of multiple immune-mediated conditions have shown promising activity with MRT-6160.
Expert Commentary
Markus Warmuth, MD, chief executive officer of Monte Rosa Therapeutics, stated that the agreement with Novartis will "accelerate and broaden the scope of clinical development of MRT-6160" and validates Monte Rosa's QuEEN discovery engine. Fiona Marshall, president of Biomedical Research at Novartis, expressed excitement about the application of molecular glue degraders in immunology and the potential of MRT-6160 to provide a new therapeutic option for individuals with immune-mediated conditions.
Preclinical Evidence
Data presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 and EULAR 2024 highlighted the potential of MRT-6160. In a collagen-induced arthritis autoimmune disease model, MRT-6160 reduced joint inflammation and autoantibody production. Additionally, in a T-cell transfer mediated colitis model, MRT-6160 inhibited disease progression and reduced calprotectin expression.
