Deciphera, Lilly partner to test compounds in treatment of cancer

INDIANAPOLIS Eli Lilly and Deciphera Pharmaceuticals said Friday they would collaborate to investigate a group of Deciphera compounds as a potential cancer treatment.

The companies said they would investigate Deciphera’s preclinical B-Raf kinase inhibitors as cancer treatments, combining Deciphera’s drug-discovery resources and Lilly’s drug discovery, development and commercialization resources.

“This collaboration is further evidence of Lilly’s ongoing commitment to oncology research,” Lilly vice president for discovery research and clinical investigation Dr. William Chin said. “We look forward to working with Deciphera to leverage their B-Raf kinase inhibitor program, with the ultimate goal of developing promising drug candidates for cancer patients.”

As part of the deal, Lilly will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to any products developed as part of the collaboration, while Deciphera will receive an upfront payment and research funding, as well as up to $130 million in development, regulatory and sales milestone payments.