LEO orders Hitgen to discover new leads

A multi-year Danish-Chinese collaboration has been agreed upon in early August. Using its large DNA-encoded library of novel leads, Hitgen Ltd. of Chengdu will discover novel small molecule leads for multiple targets specified by LEO Pharma A/S, a Danish dermatology company based in Ballerup. Hitgen has established discovery partnerships with major global pharmas, including Janssen, Merck, Pfizer and the Scripps Research Institute. Under the terms of the LEO agreement, Hitgen will receive an upfront payment and be eligible for milestones. More specifically, Hitgen will use its advanced technology platform, based on DNA-encoded library design, synthesis and screening to discover novel leads which will be licensed exclusively to LEO Pharma. “We are excited by renewing and extending our collaboration with Hitgen” said Thorsten Thormann, Vice President of Research at LEO Pharma. “We are looking forward to expand our ability to identify new leads for multiple target families.“

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