UCB and Roche Enter into $2 Billion Global Licensing Agreement for Alzheimer’s Drug UCB0107

Reposted from | Medical Insights

On July 29, UCB announced that it had entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Roche and its subsidiary Genentech for the global development and commercialization of its investigational drug UCB0107 for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The transaction remains subject to antitrust approval and other customary closing conditions. UCB0107 is a recombinant humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the central tau protein epitope, with the potential to block or reduce the pathological spread of tau protein.

Under the agreement, UCB will receive an upfront payment of $120 million. UCB will fund and conduct proof-of-concept studies in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Upon availability of the study results, Genentech will have the option to either continue development or return all rights to UCB. If Genentech elects to proceed with further clinical development, UCB will be eligible for potential cost reimbursements, development and sales milestone payments, and royalties, contingent upon achieving certain regulatory approvals and milestones, with total potential value reaching up to $2 billion.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs cognition, memory, and independence, leading to premature death. As an escalating global health crisis, this disease imposes a substantial burden on patients and their families. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), tens of millions of people worldwide are living with AD, and this number is projected to continue rising in the coming years.

References:

[1]UCB enters into collaboration with Roche to develop antibody treatment for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved 2020-07-30, from https://www.ucb.com/stories-media/Press-Releases/article/UCB-enters-into-collaboration-with-Roche-to-develop-antibody-treatment-for-people-living-with-Alzheimer-s-Disease

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