JCR Pharmaceuticals, Alexion partner to develop novel neurodegenerative therapy
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Key takeaways:
- JCR’s J-Brain Cargo blood-brain barrier technology will be used to develop a therapeutic molecule.
- The agreement is the first international partnership to apply this technology for neurodegenerative disease.
JCR Pharmaceuticals Co. has entered into an agreement with AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease division, Alexion, to develop a novel therapeutic molecule for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
According to a JCR release, the research collaboration, option and license agreement centers on JCR’s proprietary J-Brain Cargo blood-brain barrier technology, which allows the delivery of biotherapeutics into the central nervous system via receptor-mediated transcytosis and has the potential to treat a range of CNS disorders. It is the first international collaboration to apply this technology for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Terms of the agreement stipulate that the two companies will commence research and development of new treatments using J-Brain Cargo in combination with an undisclosed effector molecule, the release stated.
“The collaboration with Alexion is a milestone in the recognition of the J-Brain Cargo Technology, as it is for the first time applied for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease,” Shin Ashida, president and chairman of JCR, said in the release. “We are confident that this new partnership will lead to new therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease — an area with high unmet need and desperately needed therapeutic innovation.”
Per the release, Alexion has the option to nominate additional therapeutic protein candidates during the research period, and, after preclinical development, Alexion may also exercise its option to further develop and commercialize new drug candidates. In addition, JCR will receive upfront payment from Alexion and retains the right to receive certain research, development and commercial milestones and royalties after achieving specified milestones, including net sales.