Biogen and Alkermes have entered into a global license and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize ALKS 8700, a monomethyl fumarate (MMF) small drug molecule in Phase 3 development for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Biogen will pay Alkermes a mid-teens royalty on worldwide net sales of ALKS 8700.
“This partnership is further evidence of Biogen’s ongoing commitment to multiple sclerosis and builds upon our deep experience in neuroscience and particularly in MS,” said Michel Vounatsos, CEO at Biogen. “We aim to provide patients with a new oral therapy which may bring differentiated benefits.”
“This collaboration has the potential to provide important benefits to patients with multiple sclerosis and immediately increases the value of ALKS 8700 to Alkermes,” said Richard Pops, CEO at Alkermes.
This collaboration aligns the interests of Alkermes and Biogen in the successful development and commercialization of ALKS 8700 as an important potential treatment option for patients suffering from MS. Biogen will reimburse Alkermes for fifty percent (50%) of the 2017 ALKS 8700 development costs, with Alkermes receiving an upfront payment of $28 million representing Biogen’s share of development expenses already incurred in 2017. Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, Biogen will be responsible for all development expenses related to ALKS 8700. Alkermes may also receive milestone payments for ALKS 8700 with a maximum aggregate value of $200 million upon certain clinical and regulatory achievements. Biogen anticipates the initial milestone payment of $50 million will be recorded as an expense in 2017.
