Biogen and Dayra in deal over oral macrocyclic peptides

US biotech major Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) and privately-held Dayra Therapeutics have announced a research collaboration to discover and develop oral macrocyclic peptides for priority targets in immunological conditions.

Macrocyclic peptides have a unique profile with the potential to offer biologic-like efficacy and safety in an oral format, potentially disrupting established antibody-based treatments. The collaboration enhances Biogen’s strategy to build a differentiated immunology portfolio.

Oral macrocyclic peptides are a promising class of medicines that can be orally administered but also have the potential for higher specificity and can target protein binding sites that are currently challenging for traditional small molecule drugs.