Scenic Biotech BV, a pioneer in the discovery of genetic modifiers to enable the development of disease modifying therapeutics, has entered into a multi-year strategic collaboration with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to discover, develop and commercialize novel therapeutics that target genetic modifiers.

Genetic modifiers are genes that counteract the effect of a disease-causing gene. Also known as disease suppressors, genetic modifiers can positively influence the severity of disease and act as a ‘natural form of protection’. Their discovery is leading to a completely new class of drug targets.

Scenic will use its Cell-Seq platform and its data warehouse of genetic modifiers to identify drug targets in multiple therapeutic areas. Genentech will have the option to select multiple targets for further development with an option to extend the collaboration. Scenic will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, is eligible to receive additional target selection fees and success-based payments for each target, as well as royalties on sales. The total deal value could exceed $375 million.

Scenic has built an extensive data warehouse of genetic modifiers and its Cell-Seq platform enables the development of potential disease modifying therapeutics for devastating diseases with an in-house focus on inherited rare diseases and immuno-oncology/inflammation.

Dr. Sebastian Nijman of Scenic Biotech

Dr. Sebastian Nijman, Co-founder and CSO of Scenic Biotech said, “Genentech is the pioneer in innovative biotech and has world leading research and development capabilities. Scenic is a science-driven company and having Genentech as our first major industry partner is a great validation of our technology and by working together it will extend the utility of our platform beyond our current therapeutic areas of interest. The collaboration also brings significant strategic value for Scenic as it enables us to realise the potential of our genetic modifier expertise alongside independently advancing our own programs towards clinical development.”