Fenwick Represents NextRNA Therapeutics in Strategic Collaboration with Bayer

Fenwick represented NextRNA Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines to address long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-driven diseases, in a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Bayer to develop small molecule therapeutics targeting lncRNAs in oncology.

Under the terms of the deal, NextRNA will receive up to $547 million for both programs, including upfront and near-term milestone payments, research funding, and development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales. NextRNA and Bayer will collaborate to advance two programs. The first program is lncRNA-targeting small molecule program currently in early preclinical development and the second program will prosecute lncRNA targets that its platform has already identified. More information can be obtained from the company’s announcement.

The Fenwick transaction team was led by Life Sciences technology transactions partner Stefano Quintini and included counsel Claire O’Callaghan.