Barcelona (Spain) / Lausanne (Switzerland), February 22, 2023 – Ferrer and the Swiss biotechnology company specialized in clinical phase Asceneuron announce the signing of a license agreement through which Ferrer obtains the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize ASN90 for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), an orphan disease related to tauopathy and with a high unmet medical need1.
Both Ferrer and Asceneuron celebrate that this announcement comes within the framework of World Rare Disease Day (28 February). This agreement highlights the commitment made by both companies to improve the lives of people living with a rare disease, such as PSP.
The terms of the agreement include an upfront commission, as well as multiple payments for commercial, development, and regulatory milestones. Asceneuron is also entitled to receive double-digit tiered royalties on worldwide net sales of ASN90.
Mario Rovirosa, CEO of Ferrer, said: "This is another significant example of how Ferrer moves forward guided by its purpose of generating a positive impact on society. As a B Corp company, we are proud of our people's commitment to providing the best possible solutions to those who need them."
Dirk Beher, CEO and co-founder of Asceneuron, commented: "This licensing agreement with Ferrer is important news for PSP sufferers and their families. As a company dedicated to neurodegeneration, Asceneuron will continue to expand the use of the OGA mechanism in other diseases, in addition to developing more programs for some of the most important indications with unmet medical needs in neurology."
Oscar Pérez, Ferrer's Director of Business Development and Global Alliances, added: "Researching a cure for such a serious disease that lacks available therapeutic options fits perfectly with Ferrer's mission to develop transformative treatments. We seek to generate solutions that change the lives of people with PSP. ASN90 is a very promising addition to our growing portfolio of treatments for neurological disorders, making Ferrer an increasingly relevant player in the field of neuroscience."
Now, at Ferrer we will carry out a phase II clinical study to determine the efficacy and optimal dose range of ASN90.
SVB Securities has acted as financial advisor to Asceneuron.
About progressive supranuclear palsy
PSP is a rare neurological disease that typically appears around the age of 60 and causes severe problems related to walking, balance, speech, swallowing, and vision, as a result of the accumulation of tau protein aggregates in the brain1,2. The disease progressively worsens, causing severe disability within three to five years of onset. It is estimated that three to six people per 100,0001 will develop PSP, and there is currently no known cure for the disease1,2.
From left to right: Oscar Pérez, Director of Corporate Marketing, Price, Market Access and Business Development (Ferrer), Catherine Moukheibir, Management Committee (Asceneuron), Mario Rovirosa, CEO (Ferrer) and Dirk Beher, CEO and Co-Founder (Asceneuron).
1. Coughlin DG, Litvan I. Progressive supranuclear palsy: Advances in diagnosis and management. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020 Apr;73:105-116. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.04.014. Epub 2020 May 25.
2. Lopez G, Bayulkem K, Hallett M. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP): Richardson syndrome and other PSP variants. Acta Neurol Scand. 2016 Oct; 134(4):242-9. DOI: 10.1111/ane.12546. Epub 2016 Jan 6.
