Biogen, Isis in Neurological Collaboration

Biogen Idec and Isis Pharmaceuticals have entered into a multi-year collaboration to advance the treatment of neurological diseases. The agreement combines Biogen’s expertise in neurology with Isis’ antisense technology to develop novel therapies. As part of the six-year research collaboration, Biogen will gain exclusive rights to Isis’ antisense technology to develop therapies for neurological diseases.
 
Biogen Idec will make an upfront payment of $100 million and Isis is eligible to receive milestone payments, license fees and royalties for all treatments developed under the collaboration. For any antisense molecules, the milestone payments could be as much as $220 million, plus additional amounts related to clinical trial costs.
 
Isis will be primarily responsible for drug discovery and early development of antisense therapies, while Biogen will be responsible for the creation and development of small molecule treatments and biologics. Biogen will also be responsible for later stage development and commercialization of all drugs resulting from the collaboration.
 
“This strategic alliance with Isis builds on our existing relationship and combines the unique strengths of each partner to significantly advance the treatment of serious neurological diseases,” said Douglas E. Williams, Ph.D., Biogen Idec’s executive vice president of R&D. “Antisense is a validated technology that we believe will help build our pipeline of antisense, small molecule and biologics programs, strengthening our leadership in neurology.”