Biopharm companies collaborate on new drug for neuropsychiatric disorders

Neurocrine Biosciences and Sosei Group Corporation have announced a partnership to create a new brand of protein inhibitor that the former plans to study to improve treatments for a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Under the terms of the agreement announced in a release, Neurocrine Biosciences will possess the rights to develop and produce muscarinic M4, M1 and dual M1/M4 receptor agonists discovered by Sosei Heptares.

Muscarinic receptors are a key component in the development of drugs prescribed to treat psychosis and other cognitive disorders. Sosei Heptares has discovered dual protein-inhibiting substances that may lessen symptoms for patients dealing with certain psychiatric disorders.

"Our partnership with Sosei Heptares to advance their selective muscarinic agonist portfolio leverages the strengths of both our organizations with one goal in mind, to bring important medicines to patients who need better treatment options," Neurocrine CEO Kevin Gorman, PhD, said in the release. "We continue to add potential best-in-class compounds to our growing pipeline, which further positions Neurocrine Biosciences as a leading neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company."

Neurocrine Biosciences said it will submit an Investigational New Drug application to the FDA, then commence a placebo-controlled phase 2 study with one of the M4 agonists slotted as a potential treatment for schizophrenia by next year.

"We are delighted to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences to advance our selective muscarinic receptor agonist portfolio,” Sosei Heptares President and CEO Shinichi Tamura said. “The deal highlights the significant potential value within this portfolio and brings to bear the substantial expertise of the Neurocrine team, which is highly experienced in developing and commercializing novel products for patients with neurological and psychiatric diseases globally.”