Roche and Synta announce partnership

Roche has confirmed a new partnership with Synta for the development of drugs to tackle inflammatory diseases.

Funded by Roche, Synta will carry out a two-year phase of research with the former having global rights to certain products that are made during this time.

Synta’s rights will come within the remits of co-development and co-promotion.

The partnership between the two is focused on small-molecule drugs for the functioning of immune cells through ion channels and working towards oral treatments for inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Synta has discovered calcium release-activated calcium modulator (CRACM) inhibitors which prevent the release of certain substances that enhance inflammation.

Safi Bahcall, president and chief executive officer of Synta, stated: “We believe that combining our leadership in the CRACM inhibitor field with Roche’s expertise in inflammatory diseases will enable us to accelerate the development of an exciting new therapeutic category for patients.”

Recently, a new HIV and hepatitis blood screening test developed by Roche was given approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The test is intended for use in screening blood supplies for safe use rather than for diagnostic reasons.

Head of Roche molecular diagnostics, Daniel O’Day, said the firm is still investing in the field.