A second deal between Roche
and PTC
Therapeutics Inc. demonstrates both the pharma's increasing push into
CNS diseases, and its confidence in PTC's small molecule approaches to
modifying RNA biology.
Last month, the partners
announced Roche licensed exclusive rights to a preclinical program for spinal
muscular atrophy (SMA) in exchange for $30 million up front, up to $460 million
in milestones and potential double-digit royalties.