Angelini Pharma, JCR Pharma enter global Partnership to develop & commercialize of novel biologic therapies in epilepsy

Angelini Pharma, a subsidiary of privately held Angelini Industries, and JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced an exclusive global development and commercialization agreement for the development of novel biologic therapies utilising J-Brain Cargo, blood-brain-barrier penetrating technology, for the treatment of epilepsy using unspecified effectors. JCR and Angelini Pharma will lead the discovery and pre-clinical development efforts for brain-penetrant biologic therapeutics using JCR's proprietary blood-brain-barrier technology, J-Brain Cargo.

This technology allows biotherapeutics to be delivered into the central nervous system via a mechanism known as receptor-mediated transcytosis. Angelini Pharma will have an exclusive licence option to advance therapeutic candidates identified as part of the collaboration into clinical development and global commercialization outside of Japan following the pre-clinical development phase. JCR will receive reimbursement for research expenses, an upfront payment, and additional development and commercial milestones of up to US$ 505.5 million, as well as tiered royalties on post-approval net sales under the terms of the agreement.

"One of the most common chronic neurological diseases is epilepsy." It has been recognised as a social disease with a high level of disability and mortality burden in the last decade, and more research is urgently needed to identify targeted solutions for this underserved patient community', said Jacopo Andreose, CEO of Angelini Pharma. "Through this strategic collaboration with JCR, a company with a wealth of biotechnological expertise, we will combine our respective strengths to explore the use of biologics in this area and accelerate critically needed treatment options for people living with epilepsy." “The blood-brain-barrier has remained an elusive target in clinical research for neurological disease, and we are excited to partner with Angelini Pharma to bring forward new therapies for these patients,” said Shin Ashida, president and chairman of JCR.

“I believe that our proprietary J-Brain Cargo technology is an important key to treatment of central nervous system disorders. Combining our key technologies with Angelini Pharma’s deep therapeutic knowledge in neurological diseases, will create new treatment options for people living with epilepsy.” Epilepsy is thought to affect more than 50 million people worldwide, representing one of the most common, serious, chronic and debilitating neurological conditions worldwide. It occurs in people of all ages and has numerous neurobiological, cognitive and psychosocial consequences.

Seizures cannot be controlled with available medications in many of these individuals, resulting in a high unmet need for novel therapies that offer long-lasting relief from the significant impact and burden of the disease on all aspects of their life. Angelini Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company and part of the privately owned multi- business Angelini Industries. The company researches, develops and commercializes health solutions with a focus on the areas of brain health, including mental health and epilepsy, and consumer health. JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. is a global specialty pharmaceuticals company that is redefining expectations and expanding possibilities for people with rare and genetic diseases worldwide.