Depixus and Daiichi Sankyo Collaborate to Accelerate RNA-targeted Drug Discovery

In a significant partnership, Depixus, a leader in interactomics, has announced a strategic agreement with the Japanese healthcare giant Daiichi Sankyo, to collaborate on RNA-targeted drug discovery. Centered around the novel MAGNA™ technology, a tool designed to expedite RNA-targeted drug discovery, this partnership holds substantial potential to transform treatment options for various diseases.

This development represents a significant innovation in the field of drug discovery. MAGNA technology enables a more precise and efficient analysis of RNA and its interactions with other molecules, which could expedite the development of new drugs. The agreement signifies a major advancement in understanding RNA mechanisms, potentially accelerating the creation of novel treatments for unmet medical needs.

Gordon Hamilton, M.D., CEO of Depixus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He emphasized:  

“The world of RNA-targeted therapeutics has huge potential, yet is largely unexplored. We are excited to partner with Daiichi Sankyo to put MAGNA to work in pursuit of our shared vision of creating novel medicines to treat diseases with high unmet need.”

MAGNA, a New RNA Technology

MAGNA, based on magnetic force spectroscopy, presents a unique technology that enables high-throughput analysis of dynamic biomolecular interactions in real time with single-molecule resolution. Specifically for RNA, MAGNA reveals how small molecules and proteins bind to three-dimensional RNA structures, thereby providing valuable information about binding kinetics and modes of action.

The team at Daiichi Sankyo will utilize MAGNA to investigate the interactions of lead molecules with several undisclosed RNA targets. Leveraging this technology, they aim to streamline the hit-to-lead selection and lead optimization processes. This strategic approach will not only accelerate the progression of Daiichi Sankyo's RNA-targeted therapeutics pipeline but also mitigate associated risks as these potential treatments advance toward clinical trials.

What sets MAGNA apart from other analytical methods is its ability to provide direct readings of dynamic binding and conformational changes. This is in contrast to traditional techniques that offer static, averaged, or indirect measurements. MAGNA's versatility extends beyond RNA, as it can analyze a wide array of molecular interactions, including those involving DNA, proteins, and small molecule therapeutics. Such capabilities have far-reaching implications, particularly in areas like RNA-targeted drug discovery, protein-protein interactions, PROTACs, and molecular glues.

Depixus is currently engaged in discussions with other global pharmaceutical and biotech partners to explore challenging novel targets and expedite the development of the next generation of life-changing therapeutics. The company also plans to commercially launch its MAGNA One instrument in 2024, thereby extending the power of interactomics to both academic and industrial laboratories.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the quest to decode disease mechanisms and accelerate the development of effective therapies. Integrating Depixus' MAGNA technology into Daiichi Sankyo's drug discovery program represents a leap forward in understanding and manipulating the molecular world, paving the way for the future of therapeutic development.

About Author: Tracy Mokwe

With over 3 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist and writer, I am passionate about translating complex scientific information into clear and accessible content. My expertise lies in medical sciences, laboratory science and research, digital health, AI, and cybersecurity in healthcare.