March 26, 2025 – German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Bayer struck a global licensing agreement with China’s Puhe BioPharma for a small molecule PRMT5 inhibitor. This new investigational drug is designed to selectively target MTAP-deleted tumors, a genetic alternation found in many cancer types.
Bayer, through this agreement, secures an exclusive global license to develop, produce, and commercialize the MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor. The company has initiated a clinical phase I study under the development name BAY 3713372.
Bayer has already enrolled the first participant for the trial. MTAP deletions occur in about 10% to 30% of all cancers. This makes the new targeted therapy a significant advancement in precision oncology.
According to Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, “The company looks forward to exploring the potential of PRMT5 inhibitor, which can enhance outcomes for patients with MTAP-deleted tumors, who often have a poor prognosis”.
Puhe BioPharma’s MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor, PH020, now called BAY 3713372, has shown positive results in preclinical studies. Further investigation through Bayer’s trials will advance PRMT5 inhibitor into the clinic.
With the new collaboration, the two companies will look to bring novel medications like PRMT5 inhibitors to patients worldwide. This will also have a positive impact on the global cancer drugs industry.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global cancer drugs industry size is set to reach US$ 298.51 billion by 2032. Global sales of cancer drugs will likely rise at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. Rising incidence of cancer and introduction of novel drugs like PRMT5 inhibitors will play a key role in this future growth.
MTAP deletions often lead to elevated MTA levels in tumor cells. BAY 3713372 is engineered to selectively inhibit PRMT5 in the presence of MTA complex, thereby specifically exploiting tumor vulnerability linked with MTAP loss.
“New collaborations, like that between Bayer and Puhe, highlight the commitment of cancer drug manufacturing companies to develop innovative medications that improve and extend the life of cancer patients,” says a senior analyst at CMI.”
The collaboration between Bayer and Puhe is expected to accelerate the development of novel cancer treatments, providing more advanced therapies for patients. Positive results from PRMT5 inhibitor trials could set new standards in cancer treatment.
Bayer’s expanded oncology pipeline will significantly increase its share in the cancer drugs industry. Moreover, the success of BAY 3713372 will likely strengthen Bayer’s position in the targeted cancer therapy segment.
Other companies are expected to follow Bayer’s suit as the demand for advanced cancer therapeutics with high efficacy continues to increase. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology giants will likely increase their spending in research and development to create novel cancer drugs, further supporting the industry’s expansion.
Sources:
Company: Bayer AG
News Outlet: Reuters
