ROCHE, SYNOSIS PARTNERSHIP REVIVES FIVE CNS DRUGS

Swiss drugmaker Roche has announced a new partnership with Synosis Therapeutics to develop treatments for schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, Parkinson's disease, drug dependency and pain.

The partnership centers on five drug candidates that Synosis will acquire from Roche, including four Phase I molecules, that target the central nervous system (CNS). Roche had discontinued the development of these compounds in previous reprioritization processes.

Under the terms of the deal, Synosis will assume responsibility for the clinical development of the five drug candidates. Roche retains the right to opt-in to potential products resulting from two of these programs on completion of agreed milestones. Synosis retains full commercial rights to three preselected programs and can bring these products to market either alone or with a partner. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Roche has a long and distinguished record in the field of CNS discovery. Our combined understanding of the possibilities of these programs in addition to Synosis' focus on translational medicine gives us the opportunity to explore their full therapeutic potential," Ian Massey, CEO of Synosis Therapeutics, said.