Biogen Idec and Neurimmune reach agreement to develop Alzheimer’s treatments

Biogen Idec and Neurimmune Therapeutics have announced an alliance in developing and commercialising new, fully-human antibodies indicated for use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The agreement will see a focus on the development of antibodies that bind to amyloid beta pathogenic molecule which are associated with neurodegeneration and loss of cognitive function in AD patients.

Neurimmune will conduct research to identify potential therapeutic antibodies with Biogen Idec then responsible for the development and commericalisation of all products.

It was also agreed that Neurimmune would receive an aggregate of $380 million (185 million pounds) in upfront, success-based milestones as well as receiving royalties on net sales of any products.

“This alliance with Neurimmune enables us to be at the forefront of applied Alzheimer’s research, with access to an outstanding team of researchers and a remarkable technology platform,” said Alfred Sandrock, senior vice- president of neurology research and development at Biogen Idec.

Neurimmune’s chief executive office Edward Stuart described Biogen Idec as the “perfect partner” as the company had the development and commericalisation capabalities to “leverage” Neurimmune’s expertise.

Earlier this month, Biogen Idec and Elan announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency had issued a negative opinion for their application for marketing authorisation for natalizumab as a treatment for Crohn’s disease.