AstraZeneca and Takeda to Partner for PD Treatment

On August 29, 2017, AstraZeneca and Takeda announced their partnership in developing and commercializing MEDI1341, an alpha-synuclein antibody currently in development as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Alpha-synuclein, an aggregation-prone protein that contributes to the development of PD, is the main compotent of Lewy bodies. In patients with PD, these bodies accumulate in the nerve cells, and as the disease progresses, spread throughout the nervous system. This supports the development of new PD treatments intended to remove, prevent or stop pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates, which can potentially prevent, or delay the onset or progression of PD.

According to the company, MEDI1341’s affinity, selectivity, and reduced effector function (lower interaction with the immune system), which may achieve a better efficacy and safety profile, separates it from other antibodies. MEDI1341 will enter Phase I clinical trials in late 2017.“By combining our scientific expertise and sharing the risks and cost of development [with Takeda], we hope to accelerate the advancement of MEDI1341 as a promising new approach to support the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease around the world,” said Mene Pangalos, executive vice-president of innovative medicines and early development biotech unit, and global business development at AstraZeneca, in a company press release.

Emiliangelo Ratti, head of the global central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic area unit at Takeda, added, “Despite modest advancements in maintenance therapies, Parkinson’s disease continues to represent a devastating diagnosis and a burdensome challenge for therapeutic discovery. Our collaboration with AstraZeneca is a sophisticated one that will enable us to efficiently advance a validated target in a new modality, with the aim of improving the lives of patients.”

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will lead Phase I development while Takeda will lead future clinical development activities. The companies will share equally future development and commercialization costs for MEDI1341, as well as any future revenues. Takeda will pay AstraZeneca up to $400 million, including initial revenue in 2017 and development and sales milestones thereafter. Additional terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

Source: AstraZeneca