NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Bristol-Myers Squibb has partnered with Enterome to discover and develop microbiome-derived biomarkers, drug targets, and bioactive molecules that may be used in the development of new cancer companion diagnostics and therapeutics, the companies announced today.
As part of the deal, the companies will also try to identify microbiome biomarkers that can be used to improve the clinical outcomes of patients treated with Bristol-Myers Squibb's immuno-oncology drugs.
According to the firms, the alliance will combine Bristol-Myers Squibb's immunotherapy expertise with Enterome's proprietary metagenomic technology platform and know-how.
Bristol-Myers Squibb will have the exclusive rights to all intellectual property and therapies generated under the collaboration. In exchange, Enterome will be paid $15 million upfront for access to its technology, as well as undisclosed R&D funding.
Additionally, Enterome is eligible to receive preclinical and clinical milestone payments for each licensed therapeutic candidate, plus royalties on net sales. It may also receive additional milestone payments in connection with new diagnostic products discovered and developed over the course of the partnership.
Further terms were not disclosed.
"We continue to pursue the full potential of immuno-oncology by applying rapidly evolving science, technology, and research to our strong foundation in harnessing the immune system to fight cancer," Carl Decicco, head of discovery at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said in a statement. "Enterome's focus on target identification and validation, along with their significant experience in microbiome research, can help to advance our goal to improve outcomes for patients treated with immunotherapies."