The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast-Track designation to Relmada Therapeutics’ REL-1017 as a single agent to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). An NMDA receptor (NMDAR) channel blocker, REL-1017 acts on hyperactive channels while preserving physiological glutamatergic neurotransmission.  A registrational Phase III trial, Reliance III, is analysing REL-1017 as a single agent. In addition, Reliance I and Reliance II are two Phase III sister placebo-controlled, two-arm trials analysing REL-1017 as a potential adjunctive MDD therapy.

Atomwise and Sanofi have entered a strategic and exclusive research partnership to use the former’s artificial intelligence (AI)-driven AtomNet platform to discover and research up to five drug targets computationally. Under the multi-target collaboration, Atomwise will receive an upfront payment of $20m from Sanofi for identifying, synthesising and progressing lead compounds for up to five targets. These targets will be exclusive to Sanofi. Atomwise is also eligible to receive additional research, development and sales-based milestone payments totalling to over $1bn.

US-based biotech company Gatehouse Bio is extending its collaboration with AstraZeneca for developing RNA therapeutics to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Initially, the companies partnered to identify new targets for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases using Gatehouse Bio’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform in December 2019. Gatehouse Bio is engaged in developing small RNA-based therapeutics using AI technology. The partnership is expected to expedite the development of a range of new therapeutics using the small non-coding genome area.

Merck (MSD outside North America) has entered a partnership agreement with Orna Therapeutics for discovering, developing and marketing various programmes based on next-generation RNA technology. These programmes will include therapies and vaccines in infectious disease and oncology areas. By self-circularisation, Orna’s oRNA technology makes circular ribonucleic acids (oRNAs) from linear RNAs. oRNA molecules have been demonstrated to possess increased stability in vivo compared to linear mRNA and can potentially create more quantities of therapeutic proteins within the body.

Novartis has announced plans to completely spin off its generics and biosimilars division, Sandoz, to create a new publicly traded standalone firm. The latest development is intended to increase shareholder value by establishing a top European generics firm and a leader in biosimilars internationally. Following the proposed spin-off, Sandoz will establish headquarters in Switzerland. 

Novo Nordisk has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm Forma Therapeutics for $20 for each share in cash or a total equity price of $1.1bn. Forma focuses on researching, developing and marketing new therapies for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), rare hematologic diseases and cancers.