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Pfizer partners with Enodia on Sec61 protein degradation therapies in deal exceeding USD 500m

Pfizer partners with Enodia on Sec61 protein degradation therapies in deal exceeding USD 500m

Paris-based Enodia Therapeutics has agreed a research collaboration and license agreement with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) to discover and develop small-molecule Sec61 translocon inhibitors against multiple undisclosed targets, with total potential deal value exceeding USD 500 million including an undisclosed upfront payment, research, development and sales milestones, and tiered royalties on net sales. ​

Enodia's proprietary platform selectively modulates the Sec61 translocon to inhibit disease-driving proteins at the point of synthesis, and the company says it preserves essential physiological functions. Under the agreement, Enodia conducts discovery, screening, and optimization of candidates; Pfizer assumes responsibility for all clinical, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial activities thereafter.

Enodia describes its broader pipeline focus as inflammation, immunology, and oncology, with additional opportunities in virology, though the specific collaboration targets are not disclosed. The French firm previously acquired preclinical Sec61 inhibitor assets from Kezar Life Sciences in March 2026, including the KZR-261 program. Pfizer Ventures was also among the investors in Enodia's earlier USD 25 million seed financing.

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The Sec61 space has attracted parallel pharma interest: on October 5, 2026, Gate Bioscience expanded a collaboration with Eli Lilly to develop small molecules that block target proteins' passage through the Sec61 channel, with Lilly responsible for later-stage development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Gate's molecular gate technology similarly aims to selectively block the passage of disease-associated proteins through the Sec61 channel, resulting in their degradation.


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