Kymera Therapeutics Expands Partnerships with Gilead and Sanofi, Advancing Protein Degradation Technology

Kymera Therapeutics, a pioneer in targeted protein degradation, has announced significant developments in its partnerships with pharmaceutical giants Gilead Sciences and Sanofi. These collaborations mark important advancements in the field of molecular glue degraders and protein degradation technology, with potential implications for oncology and immunology treatments.

Gilead Sciences Partnership: A New Frontier in Oncology

Kymera and Gilead Sciences have entered into a new partnership focused on developing oral molecular glue degraders for cancer treatment. The deal, which could be worth up to $750 million, includes an $85 million upfront commitment from Gilead. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of a novel CDK2-directed molecular glue degrader, targeting solid tumors such as breast cancer.

Under the agreement, Kymera will lead all research activities for the CDK2 program, while Gilead retains an exclusive licensing option. If exercised, this option would grant Gilead the rights to develop and commercialize the therapy. Kymera stands to receive tiered royalties ranging from high single-digit to mid-teens percentages on net product sales.

Sanofi Collaboration: Shifting Focus to Next-Generation IRAK4 Inhibitor

In a separate development, Sanofi has elected to advance a new preclinical candidate from its ongoing collaboration with Kymera. The French pharmaceutical company will discontinue work on KT-474, the partners' lead IRAK4 asset, in favor of KT-485 (also known as SAR447971), a next-generation IRAK4 inhibitor.

KT-485 is described as a highly potent and selective oral molecule targeting the IRAK4 protein, a key component in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Sanofi plans to initiate Phase I trials for this candidate in 2026, focusing on immuno-inflammatory indications. Kymera has already received a $20 million milestone payment for its preclinical work on SAR447971.

Implications for Protein Degradation Technology

These partnerships underscore the growing interest in protein degraders and molecular glues within the pharmaceutical industry. The technology offers a novel approach to targeting disease-causing proteins, potentially overcoming limitations of traditional small molecule inhibitors.

Kymera's CEO, Nello Mainolfi, emphasized that KT-485 demonstrated an improved target product profile compared to its predecessor. This development, along with the new Gilead partnership, validates Kymera's capabilities in the protein degradation field and highlights the potential of this approach in drug development.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to invest in this emerging technology, these collaborations position Kymera at the forefront of protein degradation research, with promising prospects in both oncology and immunology.