Kineta Chronic Pain, LLC, a subsidiary of Kineta, Inc., today announced that it has entered into an exclusive option and license agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to develop Kineta’s α9/α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists for the treatment of chronic pain.

The α9/α10 nAChR is a novel target for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Preclinical data showed investigational compounds that specifically target the receptor reduced pain behaviors in animal models and demonstrated disease-modifying effects including reduced inflammation and nerve protection at the site of the injury.  This novel target is not believed to be expressed in the central nervous system and may lead to a safer therapy that is non-addictive and non-tolerizing.

“We are very excited to collaborate with Genentech as they are one of the world’s leading biotech companies and an ideal strategic partner for Kineta”, said Kineta CEO, Shawn Iodonato. “There is a tremendous unmet patient need to develop more effective, safer and non-addictive therapies for the many people who suffer from chronic pain. By collaborating with Genentech, we expect to accelerate the development of our promising novel non-opoid therapy for patients.”

“We are excited to join forces with Kineta to develop potentially life-changing medicines for people with chronic pain conditions,” James Sabry, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Global Head of Genentech Partnering.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kineta will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible to receive development and commercialization milestone payments up to $359 million based on achievement of certain predetermined milestones. Additionally, Kineta is eligible to receive high single to low double-digit royalties on sales of certain products resulting from the collaboration.  Genentech has an option to license assets developed during the collaboration. If Genentech exercises its option under the agreement, Genentech will be responsible for further development and commercialization.