Syndax partners with Schering Pharma

Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc. said today it has entered into a worldwide licensing agreement with Bayer Schering Pharma AG to develop a potential drug that would treat a variety of tumor types.

Syndax is a Waltham biopharmaceutical company with an oncology focus; Bayer Schering Pharma is a German drug company.

Syndax said the agreement gives it worldwide rights to the selective histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) MS-275, which becomes known as SNDX-275.

Under the agreement, Syndax will develop and commercialize the compound while Bayer Schering Pharma will receive up-front and milestone payments; financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The HDACi becomes Syndax's lead product candidate to be developed in combination with other oncology therapies, Syndax said.

"The successful in-licensing of SNDX-275, which has already demonstrated safety, tolerability, and clinical activity, catapults Syndax forward as an oncology drug development company," Syndax chief executive Joanna Horobin said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)