Introduction:
French pharmaceutical company Ipsen SA and RNA splicing modifier specialist Skyhawk Therapeutics Inc have entered into a US$1.8bn licensing option deal for the treatment of rare neurological disorders, particularly movement disorders. Under the agreement, Skyhawk will provide its discovery platform for RNA-targeting small molecules, while Ipsen has the option to license successful candidates for clinical development.
- Ipsen has entered into a US$1.8bn licensing option deal with Skyhawk Therapeutics for the development of drugs to treat movement disorders in rare neurological diseases.
- Skyhawk will provide its discovery platform for RNA-targeting small molecules, which involve coaxing dysfunctional genes into producing functional proteins without altering them permanently.
- Ipsen has the option to license successful candidates developed from the collaboration for clinical development.
- The deal will help Ipsen expand its drug pipeline for movement disorders.
- The financial details of the exclusive agreement have not been disclosed, but it includes all milestone payments and entitles Skyhawk to tiered royalties on marketed products.
Conclusion:
Through this exclusive licensing option deal with Skyhawk Therapeutics, Ipsen aims to expand its drug pipeline to treat movement disorders in rare neurological diseases. The deal provides Ipsen with access to Skyhawk’s discovery platform for RNA-targeting small molecules, which could potentially result in new treatments for these disorders. This collaboration demonstrates Ipsen’s commitment to developing innovative therapies for patients with unmet medical needs in the area of movement disorders.
