Biogen Idec and Neurimmune collaborate on Alzheimer’s research

The alliance will develop antibodies that bind to amyloid beta, a pathogenic molecule thought to cause neurodegeneration and loss of cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.

Neurimmune will conduct research to identify potential therapeutic antibodies using the company’s reverse translational medicine (RTM) platform. Biogen Idec will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all products. Neurimmune could receive an aggregate of $380 million in upfront and success-based milestone payments, as well as a royalty on net sales of any products.

Edward Stuart, CEO of Neurimmune, said: “Our RTM platform is well suited to the identification of novel, safe immunotherapies for the treatment of human disease and we are particularly proud to have entered into this deal less than one year after the founding of the company.”