Pfizer inks US$500M licensing deal with Enodia Therapeutics for Sec61 inhibitors

USA—Pfizer and Enodia Therapeutics have signed a research collaboration and licensing agreement worth potentially more than US$500 million to develop small-molecule drugs that target disease-causing proteins while preserving normal cellular functions.

Under the agreement, Enodia Therapeutics will lead early-stage research to identify, optimise, and advance small-molecule candidates targeting multiple disease-related proteins through its Sec61 inhibitor platform.

Pfizer will assume responsibility for subsequent clinical development, manufacturing, regulatory submissions and commercialisation after the discovery phase.

Payments Linked to Development and Sales

Enodia Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment and may qualify for additional payments tied to research, development and commercial sales milestones.

The company will also be eligible for tiered royalties on future net sales of products developed under the agreement.

The companies did not disclose the upfront payment or the detailed financial terms.

Alexandra Carrel, founding partner, and Thomas Rocco of MCE Carrel Avocats advised Enodia Therapeutics on the transaction.

Targeting disease-causing proteins

The collaboration centres on Enodia Therapeutics’ technology to modulate the Sec61 translocon, a protein channel that transports newly synthesised proteins across cellular membranes.

By interfering with this process, the platform aims to prevent the production of selected harmful proteins before they contribute to disease, while preserving essential cellular functions.

Enodia combines machine learning with structural biology data, including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), proteomics, and specialised cell line libraries, to guide the design and optimisation of small-molecule inhibitors.

Its platform is designed to support the development of compounds across several Sec61 inhibitor families.

Chief Executive Officer Yves Ribeill said the company had developed a platform to selectively modulate the Sec61 translocon, offering a way to target disease-related proteins while preserving normal physiological functions.

He added that the collaboration would combine Enodia’s technology with Pfizer’s drug development expertise and clinical resources to advance potential new medicines.

Established through Argobio Studio and based on foundational research conducted at the Institut Pasteur, Enodia Therapeutics focuses on targeted protein degradation at the point of synthesis.

Its internal research pipeline prioritises immunology, oncology, and inflammation, with virology as an additional potential application.

Expanding AI-Driven Drug Discovery

The agreement adds to Pfizer’s efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence into drug discovery and development.

 In June 2026, Pfizer and Chai Discovery announced a licensing agreement that lets Pfizer integrate Chai’s AI platform into its drug discovery operations.

The Enodia partnership gives Pfizer access to a specialised approach to protein targeting that could complement its existing research capabilities.

For Enodia, the agreement provides a route to advance early-stage discoveries through Pfizer’s clinical development, manufacturing and commercial infrastructure.

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