AbbVie and Anima Ink Collaboration Deal over mRNA Drug Targets

AbbVie and Bernardsville, N.J.-based Anima Biotech have teamed up to develop three targets in oncology and immunology, with a focus on messenger RNA (mRNA) biology modulators.

Under the deal, Anima will use its mRNA Lightning platform, a tool for discovering small molecule mRNA drugs and associated mechanisms of action, including novel mRNA biology modulators against the oncology and immunology targets.

The deal also gives AbbVie rights to license, further develop and commercialize the programs.

Anima will receive an upfront payment of $42 million and is eligible to receive up to $540 million in potential milestone payments. AbbVie also has the option to expand the collaboration to include up to three additional targets.