Swedish research-based biopharma company BioArctic AB has entered into an option, collaboration, and license agreement with Novartis to develop a potential new neurodegeneration treatment.

The programme will combine BioArctic’s proprietary BrainTransporter technology with a Novartis proprietary antibody targeting an undisclosed neurodegeneration pathway.

The BrainTransporter technology facilitates the passage of biological drugs such as antibodies across the blood-brain barrier using the transferrin receptor (TfR). This approach results in broader brain distribution, enabling better efficacy, improved safety profile, and dosing convenience. BioArctic is already applying this technology to several in-house drug projects.  

As part of the initial research collaboration, BioArctic will receive USD 30 million in upfront payment. Novartis will then evaluate the data generated during the initial collaboration and decide whether to exercise their option to license any drug candidate generated. If exercised, BioArctic would be eligible to receive additional payments of up to USD 772 million, along with tiered mid-single digit royalties on future global product sales if the product reaches the market. Novartis will assume full responsibility for the global development and commercialisation of the drug candidate and related products. 

Commenting on the deal, Gunilla Osswald, CEO of BioArctic, said, "With yet another BrainTransporter agreement, it is becoming evident that this versatile platform has huge potential to improve many different projects, internally as well as externally generated, and could support companies across the field in their pursuit of helping people with brain disorders.”  

Sophie Parmentier Batteur, Head of Neurodegeneration Research at Novartis, noted that collaborating with BioArctic will allow them to explore “the exciting potential of the BrainTransporter technology to promote brain uptake and optimise systemic delivery of novel therapeutic agents by leveraging the biology of the blood-brain barrier.”   

“Our focus is to pioneer innovative therapies that improve treatment outcomes by impacting disease progression, to provide meaningful therapies for patients with severe neurological conditions,” she added.

This marks the third collaboration BioArctic has entered into with partners using the BrainTransporter technology. The company retains all rights for use of the BrainTransporter platform outside of the scope of these three agreements. 

BioArctic focuses on innovative treatments that can delay or stop the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with Eisai, BioArctic developed Leqembi (lecanemab) – the world's first drug proven to slow the progression of the disease and reduce cognitive impairment in early Alzheimer's disease. Eisai is responsible for global regulatory interactions and commercialisation of the drug. In addition, BioArctic has a broad research portfolio with antibodies against Parkinson's disease and ALS, as well as additional projects against Alzheimer's disease. Several of the projects utilise the company's proprietary BrainTransporter technology.