Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Idec have entered into a collaboration to develop and commercialize two of Eisai's clinical candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD), E2609 and BAN2401. The agreement also provides Eisai with an option to jointly develop and commercialize two of Biogen Idec's candidates for AD, the anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) antibody BIIB037 and an anti-tau monoclonal antibody.

The collaboration initially will be centered on the co-development and co-commercialization of Eisai's two candidates: E2609, a β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor in Phase II clinical trials that was developed by Eisai, and BAN2401, an anti-Aβ antibody in Phase II clinical trials. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market BAN2401 for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement concluded with BioArctic Neuroscience AB in December 2007.

Eisai will serve as the operational and regulatory lead in the co-development of E2609 and BAN2401 and will pursue marketing authorizations for both compounds worldwide. In major markets, such as the United States and the European Union, Eisai and Biogen Idec will also co-promote the products following marketing approval. Both companies will share overall costs, including research and development expenses, with Eisai booking all sales for E2609 and BAN2401 and with profits to be split between the companies.

Biogen Idec will provide Eisai with an upfront payment and a fixed amount of development, approval and commercial milestone payments. The agreement also includes options for Eisai to receive an additional one-time payment from Biogen Idec related to joint development and commercialization activities in Japan.

Source: Biogen Idec