H Lundbeck and Contera Pharma have announced a research partnership aimed at expediting the discovery as well as development of new oligonucleotide-based therapies for serious neurological conditions.

The partnership seeks to investigate ribonucleic acid (RNA)-targeting treatment strategies for neurological disorders that currently present significant unmet medical needs.

It will draw upon Lundbeck's experience of more than 70 years in neurosciences, combined with Contera Pharma's expertise in oligonucleotides and its RNA discovery platforms, which encompass SpliceMatrix, AttackPoint discovery and OligoDisc.

Targeting RNA has the potential to significantly enhance Lundbeck's research pipeline for developing therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

The partnership also aims to enhance its pipeline through external collaborations with scientific innovators.

Lundbeck vice-president and external research and innovation head Klaus Simonsen stated: “Early research partnering is a cornerstone of our strategy to systematically build a highly networked ecosystem of leading neuroscience and technology innovators.

“By embracing RNA therapeutics through our collaboration with Contera, we are strengthening our pipeline and ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of scientific progress in brain health.”

Contera Pharma will utilise its specialised RNA discovery platforms to optimise and identify therapies aimed at molecular targets that have the potential to alter disease progression.

Lundbeck holds the option for global commercialisation and advance promising candidates into clinical development at a later stage.

Contera Pharma will be eligible for an upfront payment along with comprehensive research funding for each target.

It will also receive milestone payments that are related to commercial, clinical, pre-clinical and regulatory achievements, in addition to tiered royalties on future net sales.

The European Commission (EC) approved Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Lundbeck’s atypical oral antipsychotic Rxulti (brexpiprazole) for schizophrenia in adolescents aged 13 years and above.