Almirall has entered a drug discovery collaboration with CrystalO to develop novel small-molecule candidates for medical dermatology, combining ion-channel research with AI-based discovery.

Collaboration targets medical dermatology

The agreement will combine CrystalO’s ion-channel and small-molecule drug discovery capabilities with Almirall’s expertise in medical dermatology research and clinical development.

CrystalO will use its AI- and structure-based drug discovery platform to conduct candidate discovery and optimisation, followed by IND-enabling studies and early clinical development through proof-of-concept testing.

Almirall will hold exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise compounds arising from the collaboration in markets outside mainland China. CrystalO will retain rights to the programme in mainland China.

The companies have not disclosed the specific ion-channel target, disease indication or compounds that will be investigated through the collaboration.

Karl Ziegelbauer, chief scientific officer at Almirall, said: “This collaboration with CrystalO marks another important step in advancing our innovation strategy in China and further reinforces our strong R&D pipeline in medical dermatology.”

Ziegelbauer added that Almirall would work with CrystalO to explore the potential of the discovery partnership for patients with skin conditions.

CrystalO to lead early development

The collaboration gives CrystalO responsibility for the programme from discovery through early clinical development and proof of concept. Almirall will take responsibility for subsequent global development, manufacturing and commercialisation outside mainland China.

The agreement also includes an upfront payment to CrystalO, along with potential research, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties based on future net sales.

CrystalO will pay Almirall tiered royalties on future sales of products developed under the agreement in mainland China.

Zhang Jin, founder and chief executive officer of CrystalO, said: “This collaboration is a prominent recognition of CrystalO’s technology platform and R&D capabilities in ion channel drug discovery.”

The agreement expands Almirall’s work with Chinese drug discovery companies as it seeks to combine its medical dermatology development capabilities with assets developed in China.

For CrystalO, the partnership provides a route to advance an undisclosed small-molecule programme through early clinical development and into potential global development through Almirall.

Neither company has disclosed the financial value of the upfront payment or the potential milestone payments.