US-based Acorda Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) announced a licensing agreement with China’s Asieris Pharmaceuticals for its preclinical drug candidate nepicastat, a small-molecule inhibitor of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Asieris will develop the drug for non-psychiatric indications, with a focus on cardiovascular diseases linked to sympathetic nervous system overactivation.
Deal Terms
Under the agreement, Asieris will pay Acorda USD 500,000 upfront, up to USD 7 million in regulatory milestones, and royalties on future sales. The deal grants Asieris global rights (territory unspecified) to develop nepicastat for all non-psychiatric uses.
Drug Profile
Nepicastat blocks DBH, an enzyme converting dopamine to norepinephrine, a target for conditions like hypertension and chronic heart failure. Previously tested in PTSD and cocaine dependence trials, the drug showed limited efficacy but highlighted DBH’s role in nervous system modulation.
Strategic Outlook
Acorda, specializing in neurological therapies, pivoted nepicastat’s focus to cardiovascular applications, leveraging Asieris’ expertise in China’s pharma market. The partnership aims to advance the drug into clinical stages for hypertension and heart failure, where DBH inhibition could offer novel treatment options.-Fineline Info & Tech
