Biogen Agrees to Develop Experimental ALS Drug
Under the exclusive agreement with Knopp, Biogen will lead development of the drug and its potential commercialization in global markets. It will buy $60 million of Knopp stock, and pay the company $20 million upfront and up to $265 million for reaching performance milestones. It will also pay royalties on any world-wide sales.
The drug, called dexpramipexole, achieved its primary endpoint evaluating safety and tolerability in a midstage study conducted by Knopp, the companies said. The drug also helped in preserving motor function and extending survival. It has received orphan-drug designation from the FDA and the European Commission for the treatment of patients with ALS, and a fast-track designation from the FDA.
In the midstage study, 92 participants received daily 50-milligram or 300-milligram doses of dexpramipexole. Results suggested a trend toward slower disease progression and higher survival benefit in subjects receiving the higher dosage.
Source: Wall Street Journal
