Aicuris licences antisense RNA know-how from Hybridize Therapeutics

German infectious diseases specialist AiCuris AG broadens its pipeline through a €100m licence deal with University Leiden spin-off Hybridize Therapeutics. Its chemical RNA synthesis know-how will be used to prevent severe disease from the double-stranded DNA BK virus (BKV) in immunocompromised kidney transplant patients. BKV-associated nephropathy (BKN) is a leading cause of allograft dysfunction and premature loss in transplant recipients. According to current studies, a third of young kidney transplant recipients develop BK viraemia and almost 8% show BKV-associated nephropathy.

Anti-infective Cures AG (AiCuris) has now licenced Hybridize’s mRNA-based BK virus (BKV) program. Under the terms of the agreement, AiCuris will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialise Hybridize’s BKV program, with focus on the treatment of BK virus-mediated nephropathy in renal transplant patients. Hybridize will receive an upfront payment and further milestone payments of up to €100m in total upon market authorisation. In addition, Hybridize will receive tiered royalties on net sales.

Both companies expect the start of clinical studies within two years. The new programm is Aicuris’ third project in the field of transplantation medicine. “BK virus is difficult to treat as it is not addressable using conventional approaches such as classical enzyme inhibitors," said Dr. Holger Zimmermann, CEO of Aicuris AG. "We believe that antisense oligonucleotides are a promising novel approach to block BKV replication. If shown to be safe and effective, this approach could be a true game changer in transplantation medicine with the potential to prevent kidney transplant patients from developing graft rejection and organ loss due to BKV.” Hybridize’s antisense RNA discontinues the splicing process, preventing viral synthesis and replication.