Pfizer, Enodia Form Sec61 Inhibitor Collaboration

Pfizer has entered a research collaboration and license agreement with Enodia Therapeutics to discover and develop Sec61 inhibitors, according to Fierce Biotech. Enodia will use its platform against multiple collaboration targets, while Pfizer will take responsibility for clinical, manufacturing, regulatory and commercial activities.

Fierce Biotech reported that the agreement includes an undisclosed upfront payment, research and development and sales milestones, and tiered royalties on net sales for Enodia. The publication said the total value of the pact could exceed $500 million.

Targeting the Sec61 channel

Enodia and Pfizer are pursuing selective inhibition of the Sec61 channel, which is involved in moving proteins to the cell surface. The companies aim to stop disease-driving proteins from reaching the cell surface, leading to their degradation, rather than neutralizing proteins after they are already causing damage.

Scientists have studied the channel for years but have faced challenges in designing safe inhibitors, Fierce Biotech reported. The therapeutic areas covered by the Pfizer-Enodia collaboration have not been disclosed.

Fierce Biotech noted that Sec61 inhibition may apply across a range of indications. Enodia’s interests extend beyond cancer to inflammation and immunology, according to the publication.

Recent activity in the field

The Pfizer-Enodia agreement follows a pact between Eli Lilly and Gate Bioscience, Fierce Biotech reported. The Gate agreement covers an undisclosed target and includes an option on a second target.

Fierce Biotech also reported that Enodia paid Kezar Life Sciences $1 million upfront in March for a Sec61 inhibitor designed to selectively block PD-1 expression. That program has oncology applications.

In January, Pfizer Ventures co-led a 20.7 million euros ($23.2 million) seed investment in Enodia, according to Fierce Biotech. The new collaboration places Pfizer in the group of companies pursuing a protein-degradation approach centered on Sec61.