1. Scrip
  2. >>Business
  3. >>Deals

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

 
• By Joseph Haas

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...

More from Deals

Gilead’s Kite Is Latest To Enter In Vivo CAR-T Space With Interius Buy

 
• By Alaric DeArment

The CAR-T specialist is spending $350m to acquire the private Philadelphia-based firm, which is developing in vivo CAR-Ts using lentiviral vectors.

Nicox Plots US Submission After Another Phase III Glaucoma Win

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The France-headquartered firm’s eye drop has demonstrated efficacy in a second pivotal trial.

Jazz Seeks Potential Expansion Of Epilepsy Franchise With Saniona Deal

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Deal Snapshot: Jazz, which sells Epidiolex for rare seizure disorders, will pay $42.5m up front to take over development of Saniona’s preclinical Kv7.2/Kv7.3 activator SAN2355 for epilepsy.

Glenmark Fortifying Branded Play, Shifts Focus To High Margin Products

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

Glenmark signals thrust on high margin products, while exiting tail end brands as part of efforts to emerge as a branded company. In-licensed assets like Brukinsa and Tevimbra are seen as pivotal to driving growth alongside.

More from Business

Jazz Seeks Potential Expansion Of Epilepsy Franchise With Saniona Deal

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Deal Snapshot: Jazz, which sells Epidiolex for rare seizure disorders, will pay $42.5m up front to take over development of Saniona’s preclinical Kv7.2/Kv7.3 activator SAN2355 for epilepsy.

Madrigal Regains Lead With Rezdiffra MASH Approval In EU

 
• By Joseph Haas

Four days after Wegovy became the second approved MASH therapy in the US, Rezdiffra gets the first European approval. Plans are for an initial launch in Germany.

Celldex Bullish On Barzolvolimab Despite Study Miss

 
• By Kevin Grogan

All eyes on chronic urticaria after eosinophilic esophagitis disappointment.