Biogen Idec and Neurimmune Announce Agreement on Three Neurodegenerative Disease Programs

04-Jan-2011 - Switzerland

Biogen Idec and Neurimmune Holding AG announced that Biogen Idec has acquired a subsidiary of Neurimmune, which includes the world-wide rights to three pre-clinical immunotherapy programs. The three programs are focused on the discovery and development of novel human antibodies that address three central nervous system (CNS) targets: alpha-synuclein, tau and TDP-43. These targets are believed to be relevant for the treatment and prevention of a wide variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Biogen Idec will make an initial payment of $32.5 million and up to $395 million in contingent payments.

This acquisition builds on a 2007 agreement between the two companies to explore human antibodies against beta-amyloid for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The three pre-clinical candidates complement the existing research collaboration by targeting three different neurotoxic proteins, the mis-folding of which is thought to be the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases.

Biogen Idec will be responsible for the development of the pre-clinical candidates and the commercialization of all products. Neurimmune will be responsible for additional scientific activities with respect to the lead candidates as well as the discovery of back-up candidates, utilizing its Reverse Translational Medicine™ technology platform. Neurimmune retains the right to use its platform for creating therapeutic antibody products outside the scope of its agreement with Biogen Idec.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/127525/biogen-idec-and-neurimmune-announce-agreement-on-three-neurodegenerative-disease-programs.html