Singapore, Oct. 14 -- Chinese startup Rona Therapeutics has granted Roche an exclusive worldwide license for Rona's investigational RNAi candidate targeting activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) utilising the company's proprietary extrahepatic delivery platform.

ALK7, encoded by the ACVR1C gene, is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and is a genetically validated target for obesity and metabolic diseases. Inhibition of ALK7 by directly targeting adipocytes has the potential to selectively reduce visceral and other ectopic fat depots while preserving lean mass, offering a differentiated approach that may be complementary to incretin-based therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rona will receive upfront and near-term mileston...