AstraZeneca and Neurimmune Ink Collaboration Deal Worth Up to $760 Million

Alexion, AstraZeneca’s rare disease group, announced on January 7, 2022, that it had entered into an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement with Neurimmune AG for its investigational human monoclonal antibody, NI006, for up to $760 million. NI006 is an investigational human monoclonal antibody that is currently in Phase Ib development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).

ATTR-CM occurs when there are misfolded transthyretin (TTR) proteins that result in amyloid deposits building up in the heart. This interferes with normal heart functions and can cause potential heart failure. According to a company press release, an estimated 300.000 - 500,000 individuals have ATTR-CM, with many cases likely undiagnosed.

NI006 targets misfolded transthyretin and is designed to directly address the pathology of ATTR-CM by enabling removal of amyloid fibril deposits in the heart. Through this mechanism, the companies hope that this treatment can treat patients who have advanced ATTR-CM.

“With 30 years of experience in developing medicines for people with rare diseases, Alexion is uniquely positioned to advance innovative science for small patient populations who are frequently underdiagnosed,” said Marc Dunoyer, CEO, Alexion, in the press release. “We look forward to applying this expertise to the development of NI006, which is designed to clear cardiac amyloid fibril deposits with the potential to improve cardiac function for patients living with advanced ATTR-CM, who are currently underserved by existing treatment options.”

Alexion will pay $30 million upfront for exclusive development, manufaructing, and commercializations rights to NI006, with an additional $730 worth of payments contingent on achievement of various milestones.

Source: AstraZeneca