Servier & X-Chem Announce Drug Discovery Collaboration 

Servier and X-Chem, Inc. recently announced a partnership to identify and develop novel small molecules for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Under the terms of the multi-target agreement, X-Chem will utilize its DNA-Encoded library (DEL) platform to identify novel small molecule leads directed towards Central Nervous System (CNS) targets of interest to Servier. The parties may further progress identified leads into protein-degrading chimeric molecules, with X-Chem leading the design and synthesis of bispecific degrader molecules. Servier will be responsible for advancing any promising candidates through preclinical and clinical development and retains all rights for the commercialization of any products resulting from the collaboration. X-Chem will receive research payments and is entitled to additional payments upon the achievement of certain success milestones.

“Our partnership with X-Chem supports Servier’s drive for innovative drug discovery approaches towards new treatments for the benefit of patients suffering from neurological diseases. Combining our expertise gives us a truly valuable opportunity to advance the expanding internal program of drug discovery projects here at Servier, with the ultimate goal of bringing forward new and effective treatments to slow the progression of these devastating diseases,” said Ross Jeggo, Head of the Neurology & Immuno-Inflammation therapeutic area at Servier.

“We are delighted that Servier has chosen X-Chem as its partner for drug discovery in this challenging therapeutic area.” said Matt Clark, Chief Executive Officer at X-Chem. “We look forward to a long-term scientific collaboration with the Servier team to make advances in the treatment of neurological diseases.”

Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 150 countries and a total revenue of 4.6 billion euros in 2019, Servier employs 22,000 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group invests on average 25% of its total revenue (excluding generics) every year in research and development and uses all its profits for its development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier’s constant commitment in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development. For more information, visit www.servier.com.

Servier’s innovation efforts in the US are enhanced by Servier BioInnovation, a joint initiative between Servier Group R&D and Business Development & Licensing, focused on external innovation in the U.S. BioInnovation’s mission includes identifying early-stage R&D opportunities and expediting BD&L activities, increasing the group’s visibility and attracting talent as well as establishing R&D partnerships in key life science innovation ecosystems. For more information, visit https://www.servier.us/#bioinnovation.

X-Chem is the industry-leading provider of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL)-based discovery services. X-Chem has entered into drug discovery partnerships with numerous pharmaceutical companies, established, and early stage biotechnology companies, as well as research institutes and universities resulting in the licensing of hundreds of novel hits and leads across many target classes. X-Chem’s clients and licensees include AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead, Janssen, Maruho, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Otsuka, Roche, Vertex, among others. For more information, visit www.x-chemrx.com.