UCB and Nodality agree drug development alliance

UCB is to utilise an innovative profiling platform from biotechnology firm Nodality to support its drug development programmes over the coming years.

Under the terms of a newly-agreed collaborative arrangement, UCB will use Nodality's proprietary Single Cell Network Profiling (SCNP) technology to assist in the development of several compounds, focusing initially on immunology disorders.

This agreement includes the provision of an upfront fee, research and development funding, and success-based milestone payments, while UCB also has the option to engage Nodality with creating companion diagnostics for new drugs.

It is thought that this alliance will provide UCB with insight into disease pathways and drug mechanisms, thus allowing for the development of personalised treatment options.

Ismail Kola, executive vice-president and president for new medicines at UCB, said: "We look forward to the Nodality collaboration as we advance UCB's research and development pipeline."

This comes after UCB announced last month that it will be refocusing its ongoing collaboration with Otsuka to concentrate solely on central nervous system disorders, ending their immunology partnership.