Massachusetts-based Nimbus Therapeutics has secured a $496 million deal with Eli Lilly focused on the development and commercialization of new therapies for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
The research collaboration and exclusive, worldwide license agreement will focus on novel targeted therapies that activate a specific isoform of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) — a high-value target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. The deal will leverage Nimbus’s computational drug discovery engine and expertise in structure-based drug design to develop these isoform-selective small molecule activators of AMPK with potential therapeutic application to a broad range of metabolic disorders.
“Developing therapies together that target AMPK helps address a critical need and is part of Lilly’s ongoing efforts to expand treatment options available to patients with metabolic disorders,” said Ruth Gimeno, Ph.D., Lilly’s senior vice president, Diabetes Research and Clinical Investigation.
Under the collaboration, Nimbus will be responsible for research activities, and Lilly will be responsible for development and commercialization activities worldwide. Financial consideration for Nimbus includes a series of payments, funding and milestones spread through research, development and commercialization, potentially reaching up to $496 million in total. Nimbus is eligible to receive tiered royalties on global net sales ranging from mid single- to low double-digits.
