Regeneron strikes Helicon peptide pact with Parabilis to build new Antibody-Helicon Conjugate class

Regeneron has unveiled a strategic research tie-up with Parabilis Medicines to jointly hunt for and develop a slate of therapeutic candidates built on Parabilis’ Helicon™ peptide platform — with the spotlight squarely on Antibody-Helicon™ Conjugates (AHCs), a new class of medicines engineered to hit targets that have historically been written off as “undruggable.” Helicons are stabilized, cell-penetrant alpha-helical peptides designed to reach inside the cell and bind intracellular proteins, including the flat protein surfaces that conventional small molecules struggle with. The deal covers their use both as standalone agents and as the payload half of AHCs.

“This collaboration reflects Regeneron’s approach of advancing cutting-edge and diversified science to produce a robust portfolio of innovative medicines for patients in need,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron. “In addition to the potential of Helicons to address previously undruggable targets, the collaboration’s intent to couple Helicons to our VelocImmune® derived-antibodies so as to precisely deliver them to cells of interest represents an exciting new approach with the potential to create an entirely new therapeutic class that can span multiple therapeutic areas.”

The conceptual parallel is with antibody-drug conjugates, which lean on antibodies to ferry cytotoxic payloads into target cells and kill them from inside. AHCs apply the same delivery logic, but swap in Helicon payloads designed to selectively tune specific intracellular proteins — a route Regeneron believes can crack open targets that small molecules have failed to reach.

Financially, Parabilis is set to receive $125 million up front, split between a $50 million cash payment and a $75 million commitment from Regeneron to invest in its next equity round, subject to conditions. The biotech is also lined up for development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties running up to the low double digits on net sales of any approved medicines coming out of the alliance. Across the five initial targets, total milestone payments could reach roughly $2.2 billion, with the option to expand to further targets in exchange for additional option payments from Regeneron. The two companies will collaborate on discovery of new Helicons and AHCs, after which Regeneron will assume responsibility for development, manufacturing and worldwide commercialization.

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Related Topics and Keywords

Antibody-Helicon, Antibody-Helicon Conjugate class, Helicon peptide pact, Parabilis, Regeneron