AstraZeneca in two early stage cancer deals

AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) announced two early stage cancer deals on Monday, including a deal with Bind Therapeutics Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop and commercialize an Accurin based on an undisclosed kinase inhibitor from the pharma for undisclosed cancer indications. Bind used its Medicinal Nanoengineering technology to develop the Accurin, for which the partners have already completed feasibility testing. The partners will co-develop the Accurin through IND-enabling studies, after which AstraZeneca will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the product. Bind is eligible for up to $69 million in an undisclosed upfront payment and development milestones. The biotech is also eligible to receive over $130 million in regulatory and sales milestones, plus tiered single- to double-digit royalties. An Accurin is a selective and programmable nanoparticle-encapsulated therapeutic designed to accumulate at the site of disease.

Separately, Horizon Discovery Ltd. (Cambridge, U.K.) granted AstraZeneca exclusive, worldwide rights to inhibitors of an undisclosed kinase that Horizon said plays a role in cancers with K-Ras (KRAS) mutations. AstraZeneca is responsible for further preclinical and clinical development of the discovery-stage compounds, though Horizon said it will provide AstraZeneca full-time employees to help with preclinical development. Horizon will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and preclinical milestones. The company also is eligible for up to $75 million in clinical and approval milestones, plus tiered royalties. ...