Chiesi Group and Key2Brain have entered into a global licensing agreement for two lyposomal storage disorder therapies.
Through the agreement, the companies will advance the development of two blood-brain barrier (BBB)-crossing recombinant emzyme replacement therapies for the treatment of alpha-mannosidosis and Krabbe disease — two ultra-rare diseases that impact the central nervous system.
This collaboration also incorporates a framework for the parties, meaning they can include additional enzymes into the collaboration further down the line.
The advancement of these two programmes will harness Key2Brain's blood-brain barrier crossing technology, while establishing a framework for the parties to include additional enzymes into the collaboration.
“At Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, we are deeply committed to building a sustainable pipeline in rare diseases by embracing emerging technologies that can enhance the treatment landscape,” said Giacomo Chiesi, Executive Vice President, Chiesi Global Rare Diseases.
“This agreement exemplifies that vision—working to address areas of profound unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative manifestations of ultra-rare diseases like alpha-mannosidosis and Krabbe disease. For too many families, there are still no therapeutic options. Our goal is to bring them hope where today there is none.”
Under the terms of the agreement Key2Brain will provide Chiesi Group with a global license to develop and commercialise two BBB-crossing ERTs — extending their existing research collaboration.
Key2Brain will receive an upfront payout, as well as being eligible to receive development and sales-based milestone payments.
Chiesi Group will fund all research, development, and subsequent commercialisation worldwide. As part of this agreement, there is also a possibility, upon mutual agreement, for the parties to expand the license to Key2Brain’s BBB-crossing technology platform for the development of additional BBB-crossing ERTs.
Elisabet Sjöström, Founder and CEO, Key2Brain, said: “Expanding our relationship with Chiesi Global Rare Disease allows us to build on a clinically validated foundation to address the neurological complications of lysosomal storage disorders, including alpha-mannosidosis and Krabbe disease."
"Through this agreement, we aim to accelerate the research of potential breakthrough therapies that address these neurodegenerative conditions. We believe this partnership serves as a testament to the versatility and competitiveness of our BBB-crossing technology, unique features that are being utilized in Key2Brain’s development of our proprietary next-generation brain-targeting therapies.”
