Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche (SWX: ROG) has announced the acquisition of global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize two early-stage drug candidates for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Huntington’s disease (HD) from Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS). This strategic move is set to bolster Roche’s pipeline in central nervous system (CNS) disorders and expand on a collaboration that began in 2013.
Financial Terms and Project Scope
Ionis Pharmaceuticals will receive an upfront payment of USD 60 million, with the potential for additional milestone payments and royalties. The company will handle pre-clinical development, while Roche takes on the responsibility for clinical studies and global commercialization efforts. This project aims to accelerate the development of RNA-targeting molecules, which are designed to address the root causes of CNS ailments.
Expanding Collaboration and Pipeline
The acquisition includes HD candidate tominersen, an antisense oligonucleotide specifically for Huntington’s disease, as well as IONIS-FB-LRx, which targets IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and geographic atrophy (GA). These additions to Roche’s portfolio underscore the company’s commitment to advancing novel therapies for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.-Fineline Info & Tech
