A new alliance to discover, develop and commercialise novel anti-cancer stem cell therapeutics targeting the Wnt signalling pathway has been launched.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer and OncoMed will develop antibodies, protein therapeutics, and small molecules as potential novel anti-cancer stem cell therapeutics targeting the Wnt signalling pathway.

In addition to an upfront cash payment of US $40 million, OncoMed is eligible to receive cash payments for product candidates that Bayer Schering Pharma options and possible additional payments upon achievement of certain development and commercialisation milestones. The collaboration could potentially include up to five compounds. The agreement includes potential significant near-term milestone payments from Bayer.

OncoMed will utilise its proprietary human cancer stem cell models to discover and advance antibody and protein therapeutics through Phase I clinical studies. Bayer Schering Pharma receives an option to exclusively license antibody and protein therapeutic product candidates at any point up to the completion of Phase I testing. Following option exercise, Bayer will lead development and commercialisation of licensed product candidates.

The agreement contains provisions under which OncoMed may co-develop antibody and protein therapeutics with Bayer. The collaboration includes OncoMed's lead Wnt pathway antibody, OMP-18R5, which is currently planned to enter clinical testing in 2011.

In addition, Bayer will lead the discovery and advancement of small molecule therapeutic candidates that modulate Wnt pathway signalling. OncoMed will assist Bayer in the evaluation and advancement of small molecule candidates.

"At Bayer, we recognise the high unmet medical need for cancer treatments. This collaboration with OncoMed demonstrates our commitment to the development of new and innovative treatment options," said Prof. Andreas Busch, Head of Global Drug Discovery and Member of the Board of Management at Bayer Schering Pharma.

"The development of anti-cancer stem cell therapeutics together with OncoMed is a highly innovative approach with the potential to perfectly complement our oncology portfolio. Anti-cancer stem cell research could turn out as one of the missing pieces in today's cancer therapy."

"Our alliance with Bayer represents a major opportunity to discover and develop an entirely new class of anti-cancer stem cell therapeutics with one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. Bayer shares our vision for the potential of anti-cancer stem cell therapeutics, and we look forward to working closely with them," said Paul Hastings, President and CEO of OncoMed.

"OncoMed has established a rich pipeline of product candidates targeting a number of critical cancer stem cell pathways. Through this collaboration, we will gain significant additional funding to support the discovery and development of therapeutics targeting the Wnt pathway, as we continue, with our already strong cash position and our other sources of collaborative revenue, to fully finance and advance all of our programs for years to come."

Source: OncoMed Pharmaceuticals