Biogen Makes Lifecycle Gambit In Next-Gen MS Drug Deal With Alkermes

ALKS 8700 could help Biogen extend its MS franchise beyond Tecfidera. The next-generation fumarate may have better GI tolerability and patent protection into 2033.

Two businessmen shaking hands during a meeting in the office, success, dealing, greeting & business partner concepts - soft light.

Alkermes PLC has signed the most obvious partner for its late-stage multiple sclerosis drug, Biogen Inc., in a deal that seems advantageous to both companies. The Phase III next-generation fumarate ALKS 8700 could offer potential tolerability advantages compared to Biogen's currently marketed Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) and importantly is patent protected until 2033.

Thus, the deal announced Nov. 27 appears to be a sensible lifecycle-extension gambit for Biogen if it can successfully differentiate...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Deals

Vor Is Reborn With New CEO And Ambitious RemeGen Autoimmune Pact

 
• By 

The biotech had been looking at options to survive since May.

Kymera Inks CDK2 Deal With Gilead

 

Deal Snapshot: The biotech will receive up to $750m from Gilead for molecular glue degraders against CDK2.

Sanofi Links Up Again With Formation To Take Gusacitinib Down New Path

 
• By 

Deal Snapshot: The Paris-headquartered company has licensed gusacitinib, which was in development for chronic hand eczema, but Sanofi will pursue a new indication for the dual JAK/SYK inhibitor.

Stock Watch: When The Biotech Bandwagon Music Stops

 
• By 

The number of viable biotech companies exploiting a particular technology should be limited by intellectual property but the number of biotech IPOs exploiting that same technology always seems greater than those with freedom to operate.

More from Business

Kymera Inks CDK2 Deal With Gilead

 

Deal Snapshot: The biotech will receive up to $750m from Gilead for molecular glue degraders against CDK2.

Nektar Bounces Back As Eczema Drug Rezpeg Heads For Phase III

 
• By 

Lilly-rejected candidate impresses in Phase IIb atopic dermatitis trial.

Battle For Obesity Market Shifts Gears in India: Will Wegovy Trump Mounjaro?

 

Novo Nordisk debuts Wegovy in India, gears for pole position in obesity. The Danish group’s leadership doesn’t appear too perturbed about the head start for Lilly’s Mounjaro or the imminent arrival of generic semaglutide next year.