Biogen Idec and Neurimmune Therapeutics AG entered an agreement for the worldwide development and commercialization of fully human antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The alliance will focus on the development of antibodies that bind to amyloid beta (Aβ), a pathogenic molecule thought to cause neurodegeneration and loss of cognitive function in AD patients. Currently there are no therapies for AD approved to slow or stop disease progression.

Neurimmune will conduct research to identify potential therapeutic antibodies using the company’s Reverse Translational Medicine (RTM) platform. Biogen Idec will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all products. Neurimmune could receive as much as $380 million in upfront and success-based milestone payments, as well as a royalty on sales of any products.

“Biogen Idec has the manufacturing, development and commercialization capabilities to leverage our discovery and technology expertise. With their extraordinary experience in the development of biopharmaceuticals as well as their deep history in neuroscience, Biogen Idec is the perfect partner for Neurimmune,” said Edward Stuart, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Neurimmune. “Our RTM platform is well suited to the identification of novel, safe immunotherapies for the treatment of human disease and we are particularly proud to have entered into this deal less than one year after the founding of the company.”

“Biogen Idec has built a leading position in the development and commercialization of treatments for neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This alliance with Neurimmune enables us to be at the forefront of applied Alzheimer’s research, with access to an outstanding team of researchers and a remarkable technology platform,” said Alfred Sandrock, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, Neurology R&D, Biogen Idec.