Neurimmune inks US-$760 deal with AstraZeneca

Protein aggregation disease specialist Neurimmune AG has entered into an exclustive 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). The diesease is characterised by deposition of misfolded and aggregated transthyretin in the heart. Neurimmune's antibody NI006 is designed to remove such amyloids from heart.

Under the agreement, Alexion will be granted an exclusive, global license to develop, manufacture and commercialise NI006. Neurimmune will receive an upfront payment of $30m and potential milestone payments of up to $730m, 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 study on behalf of Alexion. Alexion will be responsible for further clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization.