C4X Discovery Holdings PLC (AIM:C4XD) Chief Business Officer Bhavna Hunjan and Chief Scientific Officer Nick Ray speak to Thomas Warner from Proactive after the drug discovery company announced receipt of a US$11 million payment under its US$402 million deal with pharma giant AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN).
Specifically, the financial landmark marks the progression of the NRF2 Activator programme, created by C4XD and outlicensed to AZ. Nick Ray elaborates on NRF2, a molecule critical in regulating cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, saying that the discovery has potential applications in various inflammatory diseases like COPD, sickle cell disease, and multiple sclerosis.
He adds that C4X's focus on immuno-inflammatory diseases aligns with AstraZeneca's interest in chronic respiratory diseases. Moreover, C4X's license with Sanofi for an IL-17 inhibitor program further diversifies its portfolio, with an anticipated $800 million in potential milestones plus royalties.
Hunjan also explains more about how C4X Discovery is positioned heading into the new year, suggesting that the business has shown itself able to navigate the challenging economic environment and capitalise on opportunities in immuno-inflammatory therapies.