AsianScientist (May 14, 2014) - Eisai Co. Ltd. has exercised its option to jointly develop and commercialize its clinical candidates for Alzheimer’s disease with US biotechnology firm Biogen Idec. The option was included as part of Eisai’s collaboration agreement with Biogen Idec announced in March 2014.
Based on the agreement, Eisai and Biogen Idec will co-develop Eisai’s investigational next generation Alzheimer's disease treatment candidates E2609 and BAN2401 for major markets such as the United States, the European Union and Japan.
E2609 is believed to inhibit BACE, a key enzyme in the production of amyloid beta (Aβ). By inhibiting BACE, E2609 decreases Aβ proteins in the brain, potentially improving symptoms and slowing disease progression. BAN2401, an Aβ protofibril antibody, is believed to selectively bind to and eliminate soluble, toxic Aβ aggregates that are thought to contribute to the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease. As such, BAN2401 could potentially have an immunomodulatory effect that may suppress the progression of the disease.
A Phase II clinical trial is already underway for BAN2401, while E2609 is currently undergoing preparations for a Phase II clinical trial.
The companies will co-promote the products following marketing approval and share
overall costs, including research and development expenses incurred in Japan. Eisai will book all sales for E2609 and BAN2401 following marketing approval and launch, sharing profits with Biogen Idec. In accordance with the execution of this option, Eisai will receive from Biogen Idec an additional one-time payment as well as the right to receive additional development milestone payments. Read more from Asian Scientist Magazine at: http://www.asianscientist.com/2014/05/pharma/alzheimers-drugs-eisai-biogen-idec-2014/
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