Partner:  

Mechanism of Action: small molecule inhibitors against multiple forms of the p53 tumour suppressor protein

Indication: Oncology

Collaborative program: Astex Pharmaceuticals and MSD announced that they had entered into an exclusive worldwide research collaboration and license agreement in August 2023. The goal of the collaboration is to identify small molecule candidates with activity towards a tumour suppressor protein for the treatment of cancer.

Astex will apply its fragment-based drug discovery platform to develop compounds targeting multiple forms of the p53 tumour suppressor protein and provide MSD with lead compounds for further optimization and preclinical development. MSD is granted an exclusive global license to research, develop, and commercialise candidates arising under the collaboration. MSD will assume responsibility for funding all future research and development of lead candidates as well as commercialisation of products globally.