Biohaven acquires rights to develop dual inhibitor of TYK2 and JAK1

Biohaven announced that it acquired global rights, excluding China regions, for the development of an oral, brain-penetrant, dual inhibitor of Tyrosine Kinase 2, or TYK2, and Janus Kinase 1, or JAK1, for the treatment of brain disorders. BHV-8000 was licensed from Hangzhou Highlightll Pharmaceutical and Biohaven anticipates advancing the agent into a Phase 1 study in 2023. Dysregulation of the immune system has been implicated in several neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders including Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Autoimmune Encephalitis. Over-active immune cells and microglia driving chronic neuroinflammation results in release of cytokines with activation of leukocytes and is thought to contribute to neuronal injury, death, gliosis, and demyelination. The TYK2 and JAK1 signal transduction pathways mediate highly complementary immune and inflammatory signaling events. There are currently no brain penetrant, selective, dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibitors approved for brain disorders. Highlightll will receive $10M in upfront cash and $10M in BHVN equity, development and commercial milestone payments of up to $950M, and tiered royalty payments ranging from mid-single digit to lower teens percentages. Biohaven and Highlightll will coordinate clinical development across global regions.