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Bayer BAYRY announced a licensing agreement with Suzhou Puhe BioPharma Co., a clinical-stage biotechnology company.
Suzhou Puhe BioPharma is focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule precision therapeutics.
The companies have collaborated for Suzhou Puhe BioPharma’s oral, small molecule protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibitor that selectively targets methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deleted tumors.
Under the agreement, Bayer obtained an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize the MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor.
The first participant has already been enrolled in a phase I first-in-human dose escalation study investigating MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor under the development name BAY 3713372 for the treatment of MTAP-deleted solid tumors.
Other financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The deal strengthens Bayer´s diversified early precision oncology pipeline.
Shares of BAYRY have surged 25.5% in the past three months compared with the industry’s gain of 4.1%.
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More on Bayer’s BAY 3713372
PRMT5 is important in modifying proteins that control the cell cycle. The metabolic enzyme 5’-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) is involved in the methionine salvage pathway, which recycles methionine from methylthioadenosine (MTA).
Bayer believes that this targeted approach leverages the unique relationship between MTA and PRMT5, creating a specific vulnerability that can be exploited to effectively treat MTAP-deficient cancer cells. BAY 3713372 is designed to bind the PRMT5-MTA complex, thus specifically exploiting tumor vulnerability.
The phase I study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and preliminary clinical activity of BAY 3713372.
BAYRY Looks to Strengthen Pharma Pipeline
2024 was a tough year for the company due to strong headwinds in the Crop Science business. The uncertainty caused by ongoing Roundup litigation is also a major hangover on the stock. The guidance for 2025 is pretty ordinary, as Bayer expects business to be challenging.
In such a scenario, the company is looking to strengthen its pharma pipeline.
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Quote
Bayer has already strengthened its pharmaceutical research and pipeline in the field of small molecules and precision therapeutics with the acquisition of Vividion. In December 2024, Vividion acquired Tavros Therapeutics in the United States. Tavros’ proprietary methods for genomic screening can identify new target opportunities and support discovery and translational efforts toward known targets.