Alexion, AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease group, has entered into an exclusive global collaboration and licence agreement with Neurimmune for NI006, an investigational human monoclonal antibody currently in Phase Ib development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).
NI006 specifically targets misfolded transthyretin and is designed to directly address the pathology of ATTR-CM by enabling removal of amyloid fibril deposits in the heart, with the potential to treat patients with advanced ATTR-CM.
Under the agreement, Alexion will be granted an exclusive worldwide licence to develop, manufacture and commercialize NI006.
“We look forward to applying our expertise to the development of NI006, which is designed to clear cardiac amyloid fibril deposits with the potential to improve cardiac function for patients living with advanced ATTR-CM, who are currently underserved by existing treatment options,” says Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion.
Financial considerations
Alexion will pay Neurimmune an upfront payment of $30m with the potential for additional contingent milestone payments of up to $730m upon achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as low-to-mid teen royalties on net sales of any approved medicine resulting from the collaboration.
Neurimmune will continue to be responsible for completion of the current Phase Ib clinical trial on behalf of Alexion, and Alexion will pay certain trial costs. Alexion will be responsible for further clinical development, manufacturing and commercialisation.
The transaction is expected to close following satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances.
Photo of Marc Dunoyer: AstraZeneca
