Roche and Synosis Therapeutics have announced a new partnership that could lead to the development of treatments for schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, Parkinson's, drug dependency and pain.

The broad partnership centres on five drug candidates that Synosis will acquire from Roche, including four phase 1 molecules, which target the central nervous system (CNS). Roche had discontinued the development of these compounds in previous reprioritization processes. Under the terms of the deal, Synosis will be responsible for the clinical development and, in some cases, commercialisation of the drug candidates in multiple indications. Roche will retain the right to opt-in to two pre-selected programs. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"By partnering with Synosis, we're giving these potential medicines the best chance of success by creatively extending our innovation base in an important therapeutic area," said Peter Hug, Roche's Global Head of Pharma Partnering. "There is a real need for new treatments for CNS diseases, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's, and we're excited by the potential of this partnership."