STAT+: Biogen partners with Stoke Therapeutics on drug for severe epilepsy
Biogen and Stoke Therapeutics have signed a deal to co-develop and sell Stoke’s experimental drug for Dravet syndrome, outside the U.S.
Biogen and Stoke Therapeutics have signed a partnership agreement to co-develop and sell Stoke’s experimental treatment for Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy, outside the U.S., the companies said Tuesday.
For Biogen, acquiring international commercial rights to the Stoke drug bolsters its rare disease and neurology pipeline, and provides another product that could help it return to growth in the latter part of the decade. Called zorevunersen, the drug has shown potential to become the first treatment to target the underlying, genetic cause of Dravet, which induces frequent seizures and impairs cognitive function in children and teens.
Stoke will benefit from an experienced partner already capable of marketing neurology and rare disease drugs internationally. Most importantly, the deal provides Stoke with $165 million in upfront cash to fully fund a Phase 3 study of zorevunersen that will start in the second quarter. The company is eligible for an additional $365 million in future payments, and will be paid royalties on sales if the drug reaches the market. It retains full ownership of zorevunersen in the U.S. and the rest of North America.
