Cambridge-based Epizyme Inc. will be getting a $4 million milestone payment from its collaboration partner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) now that it has reached a certain pre-clinical stage in the development of potential enzyme-based cancer treatments. Epizyme is working with GSK to research potential small molecule therapeutics that target a class of epigenetic enzymes, called histone methyltransferases (HMTs), in treating cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, entered into in January, Epizyme will conduct the research into the epigenetic enzymes, while GlaxoSmithKline will cover any possible development and commercialization of resulting therapeutics. Epizyme won an initial $20 million upfront payment from GSK, in addition to research funding.
