Rona Therapeutics has granted Roche an exclusive worldwide licence to its investigational RNA interference (RNAi) therapy targeting activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases.
The investigational candidate uses Rona’s proprietary extrahepatic delivery platform, which is designed to deliver RNAi therapeutics to tissues outside the liver.
ALK7, encoded by the ACVR1C gene, is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and is a genetically validated target for obesity and metabolic diseases. Inhibiting ALK7 by directly targeting adipocytes, or fat cells, has the potential to selectively reduce visceral and other ectopic fat deposits while preserving lean mass. This approach could offer a differentiated treatment strategy that complements incretin-based therapies.
“Obesity is a complex chronic disease with significant unmet medical needs for new mechanisms that can improve the quality and durability of weight loss. ALK7 is a compelling obesity and metabolic disease target with the potential to directly address adipose tissue biology,” said Stella Shi, CEO and Founder of Rona Therapeutics.
Shi added that the collaboration combines Rona’s extrahepatic RNAi research and development platform with Roche’s expertise in the global development and commercialisation of medicines for obesity and metabolic diseases.
Boris L. Zaïtra, head of corporate business development at Roche, said obesity represents a significant health challenge requiring differentiated treatment options.
“We are excited to partner with Rona Therapeutics, complementing our robust CVRM pipeline and reinforcing our commitment to delivering next-generation metabolic therapies,” he said.
Under the agreement, Rona Therapeutics will receive upfront and near-term milestone payments of up to $100 million. The company is also eligible to receive up to $1.06 billion in potential development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, in addition to tiered royalties on global net sales.
Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Rona Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing RNA-based therapeutics for cardiometabolic, obesity and degenerative diseases. Founded in 2021, the company has advanced multiple programmes into global development using its proprietary technology platforms for extrahepatic delivery, multivalency and oligonucleotide chemistry.
