GeNeuro, Servier partner to develop drug for causal factor of multiple sclerosis

GNbAC1 is said to be the first drug being developed to address a causal factor of the disease, and holds the potential to radically change the way MS patients are treated.

A humanized monoclonal antibody, GNbAC1 targets the envelope protein of MS associated retrovirus, MSRV-Env, a member of the HERV-W family, the expression of which is usually silent but reactivated and expressed in MS lesions from an early stage in the disease.

GeNeur CEO François Curtin said: "This strategic agreement with Servier is a recognition of the innovative nature and huge potential of GeNeuro’s technology.

"Combining GeNeuro’s technical expertise with Servier’s scientific, medical and financial resources will create an exciting new alliance to fuel the development of our unique approach, ultimately benefitting MS patients around the world."

As per terms of the agreement, GeNeuro will be responsible for the development of GNbAC1 until completion of Phase IIb, after which Servier can exercise the option to license the product for all markets excluding the USA and Japan.

Servier will pay around $47m to GeNeuro to complete the Phase IIb trail.

The company will cover the costs of the Phase III global development program and pay GeNeuro up to $408m in future development and sales milestones, as well as royalties on future sales, subsequent to exercising the option agreement.

According to Servier, GNbAC1 successfully completed Phase IIa trial, demonstrating an optimal safety profile and encouraging signs of efficacy on a first small cohort of patients.