Ipsen, Exicure Collaborate On Rare Neurodegenerative Disorders

(RTTNews) - Ipsen (IPSEY) and Exicure Inc. (XCUR) said that they have collaborated to research, develop, and commercialize novel Spherical Nucleic Acids as potential investigational treatments for Huntington's disease and Angelman syndrome.

As per the deal, Ipsen will receive exclusive options to license SNA-based therapeutics arising from two collaboration programs for Huntington's disease and Angelman syndrome.

Ipsen will pay Exicure a cash upfront payment of $20 million upon closing and Exicure will be responsible for discovery and certain pre-clinical development activities.

In the event Ipsen exercises its option, Ipsen will be responsible for further development and commercialization of the licensed products. Exicure will receive a $20 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to $1 billion in option exercise fees and milestone payments should Ipsen opt into both programs, as well as tiered royalties.