Biogen Re-Ups With Ionis In Search Of A Neuroscience 'Innovation Engine'

New 10-year collaboration, the sixth between the two firms, will attempt to bring seven antisense candidates for neurological indications to the clinic in the next two years. Biogen pays $1bn up front, split between cash and Ionis equity.

Business partners hands on top of each other symbolizing companionship

Biogen Inc.is once again reinvesting in Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. as it looks to expand its neuroscience pipeline and increase its specialty in that field. The firms unveiled a 10-year collaboration April 20 to create novel antisense therapies for neurological diseases that are currently lacking substantial treatment options.

"We believe that this new collaboration will allow us to meaningfully expand our neuroscience pipeline in a way that differentiates Biogen," Biogen Executive VP and R&D Head Michael Ehlers told an investor call April 20

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