Genentech (Roche) Signs $420 Million Deal With OMass Therapeutics for Preclinical IBD Program

Genentech, a Roche subsidiary, entered into an exclusive license and collaboration agreement with OMass Therapeutics for a preclinical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) program.

The deal involves an upfront payment of $20 million to OMass by Genentech, with potential milestone payments that could exceed $400 million, in addition to tiered royalties on future net sales1 2 3 4 5.

The IBD program was developed using OMass’ proprietary OdyssION drug discovery platform, which leverages NativeMS technology to interrogate protein interactions in a native environment1 3.

OMass will retain responsibility for preclinical development until a lead candidate is selected, after which Genentech will handle clinical trials, regulatory activities, manufacturing, and commercialization1 2 3.

OMass’s target is described as a first-in-class, complex molecule with a differentiated mechanism of action for IBD; specific targets and timelines for clinical development have not been disclosed2 3.

This deal complements Roche's ongoing investment in the IBD space, reinforcing its portfolio which already includes afimkibart (formerly RVT-3101), an anti-TL1A therapy in Phase III for Crohn’s disease and regulatory filings expected by 2027-20282.

The collaboration marks OMass’s first major pharma partnership, and leverages OMass’ expertise in using mass spectrometry to identify ligands for difficult drug targets3 5.