Neurimmune AG today announced that it has entered into an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement with Alexion, AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease group, to develop NI006, an investigational human monoclonal antibody specifically targeting misfolded transthyretin. NI006 is currently in Phase Ib development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).
“ATTR-CM is characterized by deposition of misfolded and aggregated transthyretin in the heart. Using our Reverse Translational MedicineTM technology, we developed a human monoclonal antibody that exclusively targets ATTR to remove amyloid from hearts,” said Jan Grimm, CSO of Neurimmune.
Neurimmune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that translates human immune memory into antibody therapeutics. The company has extensive experience in the biology of amyloid removal and licenses its intellectual property related to diseases caused by ATTR amyloid deposition to Alexion. NI006 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial in ATTR-CM patients in four European countries.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Alexion on this potentially disease-modifying antibody therapy for the treatment of ATTR-CM. Given Alexion’s extensive experience in developing and bringing to market medicines for people with rare diseases, we believe Alexion is uniquely positioned to advance NI006 for patients with this devastating and life-threatening disease,” said Christoph Hock, CMO of Neurimmune.
Under the terms of the agreement, Alexion receives an exclusive, worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize Neurimmune’s clinical ATTR product NI006. Neurimmune will receive an upfront payment of $30 million with the possibility of additional milestone payments of up to $730 million due upon achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties in the low to mid teens on net sales of any approved drug resulting from the collaboration. Neurimmune will continue to be responsible for completing the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial on behalf of Alexion. Alexion will be responsible for continued clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization.
The transaction is expected to close following satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances.
