Biogen and Alcyone Therapeutics enter partnership to develop ThecaFlex DRx system for ASO therapies

pharmafile | January 5, 2023 | News story | Research and Development  

US-based Biogen and Alcyone Therapeutics have entered into a license and collaboration agreement to develop Alcyone’s ThecaFlex DRx System.

 

ThecaFlex DRx System is “an implantable medical device intended for subcutaneous delivery of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies into the intrathecal space.” The aim is to use the system to improve treatment experience and accessibility for neurological disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

 

If successful, the ThecaFlex DRx System would be the first implantable device designed to enable routine subcutaneous administration of ASO therapies to the cerebrospinal fluid.

 

Under the agreement, Biogen will pay Alcyone $10m upfront for the exclusive global license to the ThecaFlex DRx System to treat SMA and ALS, along with a co-exclusive global license for an undisclosed condition.

 

Alcyone could potentially receive up to $41m in milestone payments.

 

Although both will work together on the clinical development, Alcyone will exclusively manufacture and market the ThecaFlex DRx System.

 

Priya Singhal, Interim Head of R&D at Biogen said, “We are continually listening to the neuromuscular disease community and whenever possible, adapting our work to meet their evolving needs for treatment and patient care. Biogen looks forward to working with Alcyone to explore the potential of this device, which we believe will provide greater flexibility to people with spinal muscular atrophy and other neurological disorders as well as their doctors in making the right treatment decisions.”

 

“Alcyone designed the ThecaFlex DRx™ System to be a therapeutic delivery alternative for patients with a chronic neurological condition whose current treatment requires repeat lumbar puncture. This agreement underscores Alcyone’s expertise in cerebrospinal fluid delivery technology which we believe will lead to an improved treatment experience for some people living with neurological conditions and their caregivers. We consider Biogen, a global leader, an ideal collaborator toward this mutual goal,” continued PJ Anand, Chief Executive Officer of Alcyone.

 

James Spargo


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