The new collaboration will explore modulating RNA splicing to develop potential first-in-class therapies that would direct the immune system to target cancer cells and help more patients experience the benefits of immunotherapy.
Under the terms of the multiyear agreement, H3 and Bristol-Myers Squibb will jointly conduct the research focused on developing immune therapies using H3's RNA splicing platform.
Bristol-Myers Squibb will be responsible for development and commercialisation of selected compounds, and H3 is eligible to receive an upfront payment, development, regulatory and sales milestones as well as certain royalties according to sales revenue after launch.
Eisai retains an option to co-develop and cocommercialise certain compounds that emerge from the collaborative research effort.
"We are excited to enter into this collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb, as we share a mutual commitment to discover and develop innovations that will help improve outcomes for patients," said Lihua Yu, PhD, President and Chief Data Sciences Officer at H3.
"We have already advanced the first application of our RNA splicing platform into the clinic and look forward to building on that track record with research on this potential new immuno-oncology application together with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a leader in immuno-oncology."
"We believe this collaboration will help us better understand whether our RNA splicing platform can help enhance the immune system's ability to more effectively fight cancer."
"Bristol-Myers Squibb is looking forward to collaborating with H3 to advance the science and research around RNA splicing," said Percy Carter, head of Discovery Chemistry and Molecular Technologies, Bristol-Myers Squibb.
"H3 has deep expertise in defining the role of changes in RNA homeostasis that contribute to cancer. This collaboration will allow both companies to gain a deeper understanding about alterations in RNA splicing and an opportunity to discover new medicines that can potentially improve outcomes for patients."
"Since its inception, H3 has discovered potential new therapeutic options that leverage breakthroughs from cancer genomics and biotechnologies. We're very proud of this new research collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb, as it represents another critical milestone for H3 and an opportunity for patients," said Terushige Iike, president, Oncology Business Group at Eisai and Chief Executive Officer at H3.