Royalty Pharma Invests in Biogen's Lupus Treatment
Deal News | Feb 12, 2025 | RP Management LLC
Royalty Pharma plc has announced a significant R&D funding agreement with Biogen, committing up to $250 million to support the Phase 3 development of litifilimab, an innovative drug candidate targeting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). This collaboration underscores the potential of litifilimab, which has demonstrated proof-of-concept and a favorable safety profile, to significantly enhance treatment outcomes for patients with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease with limited existing therapies. The investment agreement includes regulatory milestones and mid-single-digit royalties on future worldwide sales, reinforcing Royalty Pharma's strategy of partnering with leading biopharmaceutical firms to drive innovation in therapies addressing high unmet medical needs. The funding is expected to support the progression of litifilimab through critical development stages, with trial results anticipated between 2026 and 2027. Legal advisory for Royalty Pharma in this deal was provided by Goodwin Procter, Dechert, and Maiwald.
Sectors
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Investment
Geography
- United States – Both Royalty Pharma and Biogen are headquartered in the United States, and the agreement involves the advancement of a drug candidate in the US market, a key location for biopharmaceutical developments.
Industry
- Biopharmaceuticals – The article discusses Royalty Pharma's collaboration with Biogen to provide financial support for a promising biologic treatment in development for lupus, illustrating the biopharmaceutical industry's focus on innovative therapies.
- Investment – Royalty Pharma's R&D funding agreement with Biogen exemplifies investment activities within the biopharmaceutical sector, highlighting the financial mechanisms used to support drug development and commercialization.
Financials
- $250 million – The total R&D funding provided by Royalty Pharma to Biogen for the development of litifilimab.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty Pharma plc | Funder | Company | A leading buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties, providing financial support to innovator companies in exchange for future royalties. |
| Biogen | Drug Developer | Company | A biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, including lupus. |
| Goodwin Procter | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Royalty Pharma in the funding agreement with Biogen. |
| Dechert | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Royalty Pharma in the funding agreement with Biogen. |
| Maiwald | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Royalty Pharma in the funding agreement with Biogen. |