Germany-based Boehringer Ingelheim has signed a new global collaboration with United States-based Epizyme to develop novel epigenetic oncology therapies, it was reported on Friday.

The targets are said to be enzymes within the helicase and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) families, which when dysregulated were linked to the development of cancers that currently does not have therapeutic options.

The deal is valued at USD300m. Under the terms of the deal, Epizyme will secure an upfront payment of USD15m and an additional USD5m as research funding in the next year.

Both parties will be involved in the research, development and commercialisation of novel small molecule inhibitors directed toward two earlier unaddressed epigenetic targets as potential therapies for patients with cancer. The collaboration will concentrate on the development of precision medicine treatments for patients with lung and other solid tumour cancers with defined mutations. Under the deal, the firms will jointly research and develop a helicase program. Both firms will share US commercialisation responsibilities, while Boehringer will take responsibility for commercialisation outside the US. The firms will also share research responsibilities for the HAT program, and Boehringer Ingelheim is responsible for worldwide development and commercialisation.