Biogen Idec ($BIIB) and Amicus Therapeutics ($FOLD) have struck a deal to hunt for novel small molecules to treat Parkinson's disease.
The collaboration will focus on finding small molecules that target the lysosomal enzyme glucocerobrosidase (GCase). Preclinical studies by Amicus and other researchers suggest that increasing the activity of GCase in the brain may provide an avenue for correcting deficits associated with Parkinson's disease. Inherited genetic mutations in the GBA1 gene, which encodes the GCase enzyme, have been identified as the most widespread genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease and dementia.
Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Biogen Idec will fund all discovery, development and commercialization activities. Amicus is also eligible to receive development and regulatory milestones, plus "modest" royalties on global net sales, according to a company statement.
Amicus already has small molecules that increase GCase activity in the brain in its pipeline and is exploring the use of these molecules to treat conditions like Gaucher disease, a genetic disease that causes lipids to build up in cells and certain organs.
The partnership comes a few months after a June announcement that the FDA would delay approval of the New Jersey biotech's experimental Fabry disease drug Amigal until it could produce a new batch of Phase III data. CEO John Crowley told sister publication FierceBiotech that the company may look to new development pacts to help raise new funds.
- here's the release