Pfizer and TransTech Pharma have entered into a license agreement for the development and commercialization of several of TransTech’s small and large molecule compounds. These compounds target the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and have potential use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Through the collaboration, Pfizer gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize TransTech’s portfolio of RAGE modulators including TTP488, a small-molecule compound that has completed a Phase IIa study in AD patients and is currently in a Phase II study in patients with diabetic nephropathy; and TTP4000, a large-molecule compound that is expected to enter Phase I trials this year.

Under the agreement, TransTech will receive upfront and near-term milestone payments of $155 million, with the potential for additional milestone payments for the successful development of multiple RAGE antagonists in several indications. TransTech will also receive royalties on worldwide sales of products. Pfizer will provide TransTech as much as $18 million during the research term to support continued expansion of the RAGE portfolio. The agreement is subject to clearance by U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

“This agreement is an important step in Pfizer’s commitment to neurosciences research and the development of new medicines for patients whose lives are impacted by AD and other disorders,” said Martin Mackay, Ph.D., Pfizer senior vice president Worldwide Research and Technology. “As a world leader in AD therapy, we understand the need for new treatment options for this debilitating disease which takes an enormous toll on our aging and elderly population.”

“We are extremely pleased and excited to be partnering our RAGE platform with Pfizer,” said Adnan M. M. Mjalli, Ph.D., founder, president and chief executive officer of TransTech Pharma. “We believe this transaction has the potential to be among the largest of its kind in recent years. Pfizer’s deep commitment in multiple therapeutic areas coupled with their broad expertise and experience in the development and commercialization of new medicines, especially for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, were significant factors in our decision to go with Pfizer as the partner to advance our current portfolio of RAGE inhibitors.”