Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Epizyme, which was formed in 2007, has signed its first major deal, a global epigenetics alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will leverage Epizyme’s HMT (histone methyltransferase) discovery platform to develop and commercialise novel small molecule HMT therapeutics for cancer and other diseases. GSK will provide Epizyme with US$20 M upfront and more than US$630 M in milestone payments if drugs are commercialised for each target in the collaboration. Epizyme also stands to receive up to double-digit royalties on net sales of products resulting from the alliance.