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News
Roche teams up with Atavistik Bio in a blockbuster drug-discovery deal worth up to $2 billion to develop oral treatments for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. Atavistik's proprietary technology targets hidden pockets on disease-causing proteins — going after targets that conventional methods have struggled to reach. Roche will take the lead on clinical development, regulatory filings, and commercialization.
Swiss pharma giant Roche has partnered with biotech upstart Atavistik Bio in a deal that could be worth up to $2 billion, aimed at developing new oral treatments for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. The collaboration leverages Atavistik's cutting-edge platform, which identifies hidden binding pockets on disease-causing proteins — unlocking drug targets that traditional approaches have long struggled to address, and potentially with fewer side effects.
Under the agreement, Atavistik will lead early-stage discovery and research, while Roche takes the reins on lab and human testing, regulatory submissions, and commercialization. Treatments developed through the partnership could be used as standalone therapies or in combination with existing drugs to improve patient outcomes. Atavistik will also continue independently developing treatments for rare blood disorders, including hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: This deal signals growing industry investment in novel drug-discovery platforms capable of reaching previously "undruggable" targets — a potentially transformative approach for patients with cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions who have limited treatment options.
