Biogen, Alcoyne announce license, collaboration agreement

Biogen and Alcyone Therapeutics have entered into a license and collaboration agreement to develop Alcyone’s ThecaFlex DRx System, an implantable medical device intended for subcutaneous delivery of antisense oligonucleotide therapies into the intrathecal space. Through this agreement, Biogen aims to leverage the ThecaFlex DRx System with a goal of improving the patient treatment experience and accessibility for a broader population of people suffering from neurological disorders. The ThecaFlex DRx System has the potential to be the first implantable device designed to enable routine subcutaneous administration of ASO therapies to the cerebrospinal fluid. The ThecaFlex DRx System has received a CE Mark in Europe. In addition, it has also received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will require further clinical studies before it can be submitted to the FDA for review. "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," said Priya Singhal, Interim Head of R&D at Biogen. "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." Under the terms of the agreement, Biogen will make an upfront payment of $10 million to Alcyone for an exclusive global license to the ThecaFlex DRx System in SMA and ALS as well as a co-exclusive global license in an unnamed indication. Should certain development and commercial milestones be achieved, Alcyone will be eligible to receive up to $41 million in potential milestone payments. The deal also provides flexibility to expand the collaboration as additional ASO therapies progress through Biogen’s pipeline.