Alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) is an aggregation-prone protein that contributes to the development of PD. This protein is the major constituent of Lewy bodies, which are pathological protein aggregates that accumulate in the nerve cells of patients with PD and appear to spread throughout the nervous system during the progression of the disease.
These insights support the development of new PD medicines that seek to remove existing pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates, prevent their formation, or stop them from spreading. Such therapies could potentially prevent or delay the onset of PD, or halt or slow its progression.
MEDI1341 is an antibody that is differentiated by its high affinity, high selectivity and reduced effector function (lower interaction with the immune system), which has the potential to achieve a better efficacy and safety profile than other alpha-synuclein antibodies. MEDI1341 is due to enter Phase I clinical trials later this year.
Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, Innovative Medicines & Early Development Biotech Unit and Global Business Development at AstraZeneca, said: “Today there are no medicines that can slow or halt the degenerative progress of Parkinson's disease so this remains a large area of unmet medical need.
“Takeda has an excellent track record in neuroscience research and we are excited to be working together. By combining our scientific expertise and sharing the risks and cost of development, 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.”
Emiliangelo Ratti, Head, Global CNS Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda, said: “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 commercialisation costs for MEDI1341, as well as any future revenues.
Takeda will pay AstraZeneca up to $400m, including initial revenue in 2017 and development and sales milestones thereafter. Additional terms of the agreement are not disclosed.