Roche licenses Rona Therapeutics' experimental RNAi obesity drug targeting ALK7 for $100M upfront

Roche

Roche has taken full ownership of an experimental RNA interference drug from China-based Rona Therapeutics, paying $100 million upfront. The drug silences ALK7, a receptor that is common in fat tissue and regulates fat metabolism, with the aim of reducing visceral fat. Total potential value is just over $1 billion.

• Rona is also eligible for sales royalties on the drug.
• The $1 billion total depends on development, regulatory and commercial goals; the article gives no split between them.
• The drug is not named and its clinical phase is not stated.
• Alnylam and Arrowhead have already taken other ALK7-related drugs into Phase 1 testing, according to the article.