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Enlaza Therapeutics partners with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to advance innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases using War-Lock technology, enhancing treatment options.
The collaboration aims to develop War-Lock drug conjugates as well as T-cell engagers focused on improving conditioning and Certain Autoimmune diseases.
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Enlaza Therapeutics announced its partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which aims to employ Enlaza’s proprietary War-Lock technology to develop small format drug conjugates and T-cell engagers. These treatments are targeted at certain autoimmune diseases along with improving conditioning in Sickle Cell disease and thalassemia.
"Vertex is committed to developing transformative therapies for serious diseases that fit within our unique R&D strategy including certain autoimmune diseases and gentler conditioning for Casgevy, said Mark Bunnage, D.Phil., SVP of global research at Vertex. "We look forward to exploring the potential of Enlaza’s War-Lock platform to help us achieve these goals."1
The War-Lock platform synthesizes specific covalently bindable warheads to drug targets that hold interest. The platforms white-space technology initiates covalent-acting protein drugs, retaining selectivity within small format biologics. Enlaza’s drug discovery platform employs proprietary non-natural amino acids that attach to precision-engineer biologic medicines, resulting in an expanded therapeutic window, in turn enabling a safer and more effective therapeutic modality.1
Sergio Duron, Ph.D., CEO of Enlaza Therapeutics touched on the partnership’s efforts and the impact of War-lock technology, saying, “Our proprietary covalent biologics platform has demonstrated compelling promise in oncology, and this strategic collaboration marks a key inflection point as we expand into autoimmune indications. By partnering with Vertex, a proven leader in bringing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines to patients, we gain a valued partner to help unlock the potential of covalent protein drugs, opening new markets and accelerating development of differentiated biologics with best-in-class potential.”1
Enlaza, under the terms of the agreement, is set to receive an upfront payment of $45 million, along with an equity investment. Enlaza is also eligible to receive upwards of $2 billion, which is tied to future milestone payments including research and development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Enlaza will also be entitled to tiered royalty payments based on net sales.
The agreement grants Enlaza control over all research activities up until development candidate nomination. From candidate nomination, Vertex will then lead all future research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of all successful product candidates. Funding for research and development projects will come directly from Vertex spanning the four-year collaboration agreement. Vertex is expected to use the $100 million Series A funding from back in April 2024 to cover the costs of all R&D projects.
Stephen Squinto, CIO of life sciences group of J.P. Morgan Private Capital, touched on the Series A funding for Enlaza back in 2024, saying, “Bringing covalency to the biologics market is an extremely valuable way to unlock the next generation of protein therapeutics that are safer and more tolerable and can be dosed more frequently with lower doses. We believe Enlaza’s platform is well positioned for many first-in-class and best-in-class opportunities and are excited to partner with this senior management team.”2
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