SAN DIEGO & BOSTON—A new research collaboration targeting small-molecule therapeutics is underway between Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. and Jnana Therapeutics Inc., with a focus on several targets for central nervous system disorders (CNS). The partners will apply Jnana's proprietary drug discovery platform against the solute carrier family of transporters and Neurocrine's R&D experience in CNS conditions in the search for new therapeutics. Per the agreement, the companies will work together for the identification of novel compounds, with Neurocrine assuming responsibility for further lead optimization and the development and commercialization of any therapies resulting from this work. In addition, Neurocrine is granting Jnana access to part of its compound library to enable screening for hits on a predetermined number of non-CNS targets. Jnana will receive an upfront payment and committed research funding, and stands to receive milestone payments and royalties as well.