Ligand Pharmaceuticals has expanded its global license and supply agreements with SAGE Therapeutics to also cover the use of Captisol in the development and commercialization of SAGE-689. Ligand received a licensing fee and will be eligible to receive potential milestones, royalties and revenue from Captisol material sales. SAGE will be responsible for all costs related to the program.
 
“This latest agreement represents an expansion of our existing relationship with SAGE and we are excited to partner on another potentially life-changing Captisol-enabled drug,” said John Higgins, chief executive officer of Ligand. “SAGE has a track record of impressive development and scientific achievements, and this latest agreement with them adds to Ligand’s growing portfolio of over 120 shots-on-goal.”
 
Captisol is a chemically modified cyclodextrin with a structure designed to optimize the solubility and stability of drugs. This technology has enabled seven FDA-approved products, including Amgen’s Kyprolis, Baxter International’s Nexterone and Merck’s NOXAFIL IV. There are more than 40 Captisol-enabled products currently in development.
 
SAGE-689 is a next gen GABAA receptor allosteric modulator in development as an adjunctive IV therapy for the treatment of epileptic seizures.