Vertex seeks small molecules for RNA in deal with Ribometrix

In Vertex’s latest deal in its recent flurry of M&A activity, the big biotech has partnered with Ribometrix to discover and develop up to three RNA-targeted small molecule programs.

Founded in 2015, Durham, N.C.-based Ribometrix Inc. uses its technology to identify 3D RNA structures and molecules that bind to them to target disease-relevant RNAs. It and at least two other companies -- Expansion Therapeutics Inc. and Arrakis Therapeutics Inc. -- are in the RNA-binding small molecule space, but Monday's deal is the first disclosed among them with a large company (see “RNA Ligands Take Shape”). ...