Eisai, Biogen Idec partner for AD compounds

Eisai Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4523) and Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) partnered to co-develop and co-commercialize Eisai's E2609 and BAN2401 for Alzheimer's disease. Eisai will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for milestones. The pharma will lead co-development and is responsible for worldwide regulatory approvals of its compounds. Eisai and Biogen Idec will share development costs and all profits and will co-promote the compounds "everywhere where Biogen has a commercial presence," including the U.S. and EU. Biogen Idec also granted Eisai the option to co-develop and co-commercialize two of Biogen Idec's AD candidates -- BIIB037 and an undisclosed, preclinical mAb targeting microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT; tau; FTDP-17). Biogen Idec said the partners are still finalizing the terms of the option. The partners are not disclosing further financial details.

E2609 is a beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor in Phase I testing for AD; the companies said is "undergoing preparations" to start Phase II testing, but declined to disclose a timeframe. BAN2401 is a humanized conformational specific IgG1 mAb targeting the toxic beta amyloid protofibrils in Phase II testing. BIIB037 is a human anti-beta amyloid mAb in Phase Ib testing. ...