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Bayer, Sprint Bioscience partner to develop new oncology drug candidates

Bayer HealthCare has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with the Swedish company Sprint Bioscience to research, develop and commercialize oncology drug candidates.

Bayer HealthCare’s in Germany

As part of the deal, Sprint Bioscience licenses an early-stage inhibitor program targeting tumor metabolism to Bayer, which will later have full control over further development and worldwide commercialization rights for potential cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.

Bayer HealthCare Global Drug Discovery head and Executive Committee member professor Andreas Busch said: "Bayer is committed to translating the findings of cancer research into effective therapies to improve the quality of life of patients. Addressing the metabolism of cancer cells is a promising approach in oncology and one of our focus areas in cancer research at Bayer.

"We are looking forward to expanding our portfolio in this area through the agreement with Sprint Bioscience. This early research program has the potential to lead to new treatment options for cancer patients."

Due to tumor’s uncontrolled growth, cancer cells exhibit an altered metabolism and thereby are often resistant to conventional radiation- and chemotherapy.

Sprint Bioscience has developed molecules inhibiting a new metabolic target, which is important for cancer cell survival.

Sprint Bioscience CEO Dr Anders Åberg said: "We are very excited to have entered into this agreement for one of our tumor metabolism projects.

"We are convinced that Bayer is a perfect partner to further develop this program. This agreement also gives us the opportunity to further invest in the expansion of our portfolio within the area of tumor metabolism."

Upon signing of the agreement, Sprint Bioscience will be eligible to receive up to €190m in potential preclinical, clinical and net sales based milestone payments, including an upfront payment from Bayer.

In addition, Sprint Bioscience is also eligible to receive royalties on worldwide net sales of any resulting products under the collaboration.


Image: Bayer HealthCare’s research site at Berlin, Germany. Photo: courtesy of Bayer AG.