OncoArendi Therapeutics S.A. entered into an option-to-license agreement with Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan (U-M) to develop novel small molecule inhibitors of an undisclosed target, for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. The novel inhibitors were generated and initially validated as a result of a long-standing research collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU). U-M entered in the option-to-license agreement with OncoArendi on behalf of both U-M and MSU.

Under the terms of the agreement, OncoArendi will confirm certain properties of a series of selective small molecule inhibitors targeting this novel therapeutic target in fibrosis. OncoArendi will then have the option to obtain exclusive rights for a worldwide license to these inhibitors. Lead molecules against this novel target have shown significant efficacy in multiple animal models of fibrosis, including pulmonary fibrosis, and superior ability to affect the course of the disease compared to the existing standard of care.