In a very short time, the target discovery approach that is applied in the collaboration has been validated as the first novel target proteins have been confirmed in cellular models of AML. Furthermore, by eliminating target proteins with potential safety risks early on in the process, the collaboration can deliver drug discovery programs with improved safety profiles.

The feasibility for further development in Sprint Bioscience's FBDD platform will be evaluated prior to incorporating them in the Sprint Bioscience pipeline.

“These early successes give support for our approach and this is now established as a reliable tool for novel target generation. We expect to generate a multitude of novel target proteins in AML and the collaboration may also be expanded to other types of cancers. This provides us with target proteins that have first-in-class potential, as well as high value by evaluation of safety and efficacy at an early stage,” said Jessica Martinsson, COO of Sprint Bioscience.

The collaboration is aiming at identifying novel target proteins for AML treatments and applies an innovative combination of bioinformatics, CRISPR screening and safety assessment.

About the collaboration with Associate Professor Julian Walfridsson

With the goal of finding new, innovative treatments for AML, Sprint Bioscience, together with Associate Professor Julian Walfridsson, has developed a platform that facilitates the identification of new target proteins. This advanced approach will also be applicable to other cancer areas. Sprint Bioscience has an agreement with Walfridsson's company NeoTargets AB, on the further development of inhibitors of these target proteins. Through the agreement, Sprint Bioscience receives a first right of refusal for the target proteins identified in the collaboration and can quickly incorporate them into the company's proprietaryFBDD platform. For other target proteins, NeoTargets is given the right to start its own drug programs based on the results of the collaboration. Both companies will receive a share of the revenue from each company's license transactions.