Repare Therapeutics Out-Llicenses Discovery Platforms to DCx Biotherapeutics, Focuses on Clinical Pipeline

Repare Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage precision oncology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Montreal, announced that it has out-licensed its discovery platforms, including key intellectual property, to DCx Biotherapeutics Corporation, a newly established Canadian biotech company. This strategic move is part of Repare’s efforts to streamline operations and focus on advancing its clinical portfolio while reducing costs. The out-licensing agreement covers Repare’s clinically validated SNIPRx platform, as well as its early discovery-stage SNIPRx-surf and STEP2 platforms. The SNIPRx-surf platform leverages gene expression and protein features to identify cell surface targets in tumors, utilizing clinically relevant biomarkers and machine learning algorithms. The STEP2 platform, a chemogenomic discovery tool, employs CRISPR genetic screens with small molecule inhibitors to pinpoint genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells. By transferring these platforms to DCx, Repare also facilitates the retention of approximately 20 preclinical research employees, who will join DCx, along with lease rights to specific laboratory facilities and laboratory equipment in Montreal. Steve Forte, President, CEO, and CFO of Repare, commented on the transaction, emphasizing Repare’s commitment to creating continued value. "We have taken careful steps to evaluate all aspects of our business to ensure continued value generation," Forte said. "This out-licensing agreement with DCx allows us to further concentrate on our clinical portfolio and drive cost reductions while maintaining an economic interest in the platform technologies we have developed." Forte also noted the company’s anticipation of reporting initial data from its two ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials, specifically for RP-3467 (a Polθ ATPase inhibitor) and RP-1664 (a PLK4 inhibitor), in the latter half of 2025. In exchange for the transfer of its discovery platforms, Repare will receive an upfront payment of $4 million and a 9.99% common equity stake in DCx, including dilution protection rights. Furthermore, Repare is eligible to receive additional milestone payments and low single-digit tiered sales royalties if DCx successfully develops certain products. As part of the agreement, Repare retains the right to appoint one board member to DCx’s board of directors. DCx Biotherapeutics, supported by Amplitude Ventures, aims to address critical dependencies in cancer lesions by developing multi-modal synergistic targeting therapeutics. The company’s MuSic™ platform integrates CRISPR-based high-throughput functional screening with deep bioinformatics to enhance the development of immune-stimulatory precision antibody drug conjugates, which are designed to improve therapeutic outcomes in genetically defined cancers. This platform is expected to leverage the advanced technologies and expertise transferred from Repare to expedite the discovery and development of innovative cancer treatments. Repare Therapeutics has been at the forefront of precision oncology, using its synthetic lethality approach to develop novel therapeutics. The company’s pipeline currently includes several promising candidates, such as RP-3467, RP-1664, and lunresertib, a PKMYT1 inhibitor. By out-licensing its discovery platforms, Repare aims to optimize resources and maintain a strategic focus on advancing these clinical programs. Industry experts view this transaction positively, citing Repare’s strategic move as a smart step toward cost optimization and portfolio refinement. The deal highlights Repare’s commitment to leveraging partnerships and retaining economic interests in valuable platform technologies, which could potentially lead to significant financial returns and accelerated drug development. DCx, with its robust platform and experienced team, is seen as a promising entity poised to harness the transferred technologies to advance the field of precision oncology. Repare Therapeutics is a publicly traded company on Nasdaq (RPTX), dedicated to the discovery and development of targeted cancer therapies. The company’s proprietary SNIPRx® platform has been instrumental in identifying novel targets and developing highly selective compounds to exploit DNA damage repair deficiencies in cancer cells. DCx Biotherapeutics, while newly launched, is backed by Amplitude Ventures, known for fostering innovation in the biotechnology sector. Both companies are committed to improving therapeutic outcomes and addressing unmet needs in cancer treatment.