Biogen and Neomorph Announce Multi-Target Research Collaboration to Discover and Develop Molecular Glue Degraders for Alzheimer’s, Rare, and Immunological Diseases
30 October 2024 - 9:00AM
Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) and Neomorph Inc. announced a research
collaboration to discover and develop molecular glue degraders for
priority targets in Alzheimer’s, rare neurological, and
immunological diseases.
As part of the collaboration, the companies aim to utilize
Neomorph's proprietary molecular glue discovery platform to
accelerate the identification and validation of novel small
molecule therapeutic molecular glue degraders. Small molecule
protein degraders have been shown to effectively drug challenging
targets with differentiated pharmacology from more traditional
inhibitors. Pursuing innovative solutions aimed at modulating
protein levels through targeted degradation holds promise for
treating complex neurological, immunological and rare diseases.
This collaboration will leverage Neomorph’s research strengths in
targeted protein degradation and Biogen’s deep scientific expertise
and drug development capabilities.
"As part of our modality agnostic research strategy, Biogen is
committed to investing in new approaches to unlock biological
targets that have remained difficult to reach," said Jane Grogan,
Ph.D., Head of Research at Biogen. "This collaboration with
Neomorph reflects the approach we want to take to pair our internal
drug development expertise with cutting-edge external innovation to
create clinically meaningful therapies for patients."
"Neomorph's molecular glue degrader platform represents a unique
approach to drug discovery," said Phil Chamberlain, DPhil,
Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Neomorph. "We
are excited to partner with Biogen, a leader in Alzheimer’s, rare,
and immunological diseases, to explore the potential of our
technology in addressing some of the most challenging and valuable
targets in these fields."
Under the terms of the agreement, Biogen and Neomorph will
collaborate to identify, validate, and optimize small molecule
molecular glue degraders for several high-priority targets and
Biogen will advance clinical candidates for further development and
potential commercialization. Neomorph will receive an upfront
payment and is eligible to receive contingent milestone payments
per target as the collaboration progresses through various stages.
These include certain pre-clinical milestones payable in the
near-term and certain clinical, regulatory, commercial and sales
milestones that are anticipated to occur later this decade and
beyond, for a total consideration of up to $1.45B. Biogen will
reimburse Neomorph for certain research development costs. Neomorph
is also eligible to receive potential future royalties in the
mid-single digit to low double-digit range.
About BiogenFounded in 1978, Biogen is a
leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to
deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create
value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep
understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to
advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver
superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced
with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.
We routinely post information that may be important to investors
on our website at www.biogen.com. Follow us on social
media - Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube.
About NeomorphNeomorph is a biotechnology
company solving critical problems in human health through the
discovery and development of innovative new medicines against
‘undruggable’ targets. Neomorph was founded in 2020 and is
venture-backed by Deerfield Management Company.
Neomorph’s team is comprised of industry-leading experts in
protein degradation and molecular glues who have a track record of
groundbreaking discoveries in the field. The team at Neomorph is
committed to leadership in advancing the science and technology of
molecular glue drug discovery while prosecuting a pipeline of
projects through clinical development.
Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more
information, visit www.neomorph.com and follow us
on LinkedIn.
Biogen Safe HarborThis press release contains
forward-looking statements, including statements relating to our
strategy and plans; potential of, and expectations for, our
commercial business and pipeline programs; capital allocation and
investment strategy; clinical development programs, clinical
trials, and data readouts and presentations; the potential for
molecular glue degraders; regulatory discussions, submissions,
filings, and approvals; and the potential benefits, safety, and
efficacy of our and our collaboration with Neomorph. These
forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as
"aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect,"
"forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential,"
"possible," "prospect," "will," "would," and other words and terms
of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve
a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and
development programs result in commercialization of a product.
Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of
full results or results from later-stage or larger-scale clinical
trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place
undue reliance on these statements.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in
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products; uncertainty of long-term success in developing,
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These statements speak only as of the date of this press
release. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any
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MEDIA CONTACT(S):BiogenJack Cox+ 1 781 464
3260public.affairs@biogen.comNeomorphmedia@neomorph.com |
INVESTOR CONTACT(S):BiogenStephen Amato+1 781 464
2442IR@biogen.com
Neomorphinquiries@neomorph.com |
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