Roche will develop mGluR5 antagonists, and Seaside will continue GABA-B agonist program.

Roche and Seaside Therapeutics signed a collaboration to develop disease-modifying treatments for fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Under terms of the deal Seaside will exclusively license to Roche its patents covering the use of mGluR5 antagonists for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, and Roche will lead development and commercialization of compounds for treating FXS and ASD. The firm’s mGluR5 antagonist RG7090 is currently enrolling patients in Phase II clinical trials in FXS, and is also separately undergoing Phase II evaluation in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Seaside’s own mGluR5 antagonist STX107 is also in Phase II development as a potential treatment for FXS.

Seaside will, meanwhile, continue developing its GABA-B agonist program for FXS and autism, and retains exclusive rights to IP covering the use of GABA-B agonists for treating FXS and ASD. The firm’s lead GABA-B agonist candidate STX209 (arbaclofen) is undergoing Phase III testing in FXS patients, and Phase IIb evaluation in ASD. The collaboration with Roche gives the latter an option to commercialize STX209 on the achievement by Seaside of predermined clinical milestones. The firm says the overall deal will provide it with additional resources to complete late-stage clinical development of STX209.

Seaside is focused on development of treatments that address the underlying causes of autism, fragile X syndrome, and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition to STX209 and STX107, the firm has a preclinical-stage mGluR5 antagonist STX110 in development as a potential treatment for both fragile X syndrome and autism. Additional ongoing research programs in other single-gene neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex are ongoing.

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