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Vividion, Celgene partner to develop small molecule therapies

Vividion Therapeutics has partnered with Celgene to discover therapies against transformative, first-in-class targets.

The multi-year collaboration is focused on the identification and development of unique small molecules against targets for a range of oncology, inflammatory and neurodegenerative indications.

The collaboration is intended to advance new small molecules that function through the ubiquitin proteasome system, modulating specific protein levels for therapeutic benefit.

Celgene research and early development president Rupert Vessey said: "Vividion has assembled a truly cutting-edge drug discovery platform that offers the opportunity to accelerate drug delivery in new and impactful ways by expanding the druggable proteome and addressing difficult targets.

Vividion CEO Diego Miralles said: "We are extremely pleased to collaborate with a leading medical innovator, Celgene. Our unique drug discovery capabilities provide new, expanded therapeutic possibilities.”

Vividion will receive an upfront payment of $101 million, which includes an equity investment from Celgene. The initial term of the collaboration is four years, with the opportunity for Celgene to extend for another two years for an additional payment.

The collaboration utilizes Vividion's platform to identify ligands and discover drug candidates against a selected list of high value, difficult-to-drug targets. This platform makes accessible the broad set of proteins expressed in human cells and for the first time allows protein-drug interactions to be assessed with precision directly in native biological systems.

Vividion will lead initial discovery efforts and identification of programs to be included in the collaboration, and Celgene will have the right to opt in on those programs at IND application acceptance.  

For certain programs, including the first program, Celgene will receive exclusive worldwide rights, with the potential for Vividion to receive up to double-digit royalties on sales and milestone payments. 

Other programs will allow for Celgene and Vividion to share equally either U.S. or worldwide development costs and commercialization profits and losses.