X-Chem has inked a multitarget collaboration with Janssen Biotech that will focus on the discovery and development of candidate molecules for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

X-Chem will apply its discovery engine to identify compounds targeting proteins involved in the inflammatory response. Janssen has an exclusive option to license the drug candidates generated in the course of the collaboration. X-Chem will receive an upfront payment, research funding, and is eligible for milestone payments upon achievement of specified research, development, and commercial milestones. In addition, X-Chem will receive royalty payments on the sale of products resulting from the collaboration.

“X-Chem’s vision is to leverage our powerful lead discovery engine to enable breakthroughs in disease areas with high unmet medical need,” said Rick Wagner, Ph.D., CEO of X-Chem, in a statement. “As we continue to improve our platform’s performance, we seek to combine our discovery excellence with the extensive development and commercialization expertise of collaborators such as Janssen, and to help prime their pipeline with innovative products for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.”

X-Chem inked a similar agreement with Pfizer in June 2014 and with Bayer in February.

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