Viewpoints: Life Sciences Deals Award Goes to Ipsen + Skyhawk Therapeutics
LES announced the recipients of its Deals of Distinction™ Awards in five industry sectors: Life Sciences, Brands As A Business, High-Tech, Industry-University-Government Interface and Physical Sciences. Now in its twentieth year, the annual program recognizes companies that orchestrate the year’s most outstanding licensing and business deals in each sector. The awards were presented during the LES Annual Meeting Business Luncheon on October 21, 2024. Several key dealmakers were on hand to provide insights on their winning deals.
Dealmakers: Ipsen & Skyhawk Therapeutics
Presented by Booma Yandava (left), LES Life Sciences Sector Chair to Steven Taylor, Head of Business Development and Operations at Skyhawk Therapeutics and Lori Badura, VP Head of Global Partnering at Ipsen
Why it won…
In a deal that advances the treatment of neurological conditions, Ipsen and Skyhawk Therapeutics announced an exclusive worldwide collaboration. The goal is to discover and develop novel small molecules that modulate RNA for rare neurological diseases.
The agreement includes an option in which Ipsen would acquire an exclusive license for the worldwide rights to develop successful development candidates (DC). Following the successful DC nomination, Ipsen will be responsible for all activities. Skyhawk’s unique platform accelerates building RNA-targeting small molecules across several therapeutic areas, including rare neurological diseases.2
“We are delighted to join forces with the expert teams at Skyhawk, as we explore the potential for modifying RNA expression across rare and debilitating neurological conditions.” said Steve Glyman, SVP and Head of Neuroscience, Research & Development at Ipsen. “Our focus and expertise in movement disorders, and across our portfolio, is bringing best and first-in-class treatments to those with the highest unmet needs, now further fueled by this novel platform at the cutting-edge of research.”
“Ipsen is an extraordinary company with a deep passion for serving patients, and we are excited to partner with them to expand their pipeline of innovative therapies,” said Sergey Paushkin, Chief Scientific Officer at Skyhawk. “Our strategic partnership underscores our shared ambition to develop transformative medicines for people with rare neurological diseases for which there are no approved therapeutics.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Skyhawk is eligible to receive up to $1.8 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, including an upfront payment for the option and research collaboration, plus the potential for tiered royalties.
Read more here: https://www.ipsen.com/press-releases/ipsen-and-skyhawk-therapeutics-announce-rna-targeting-research-collaboration-in-rare-neurological-diseases/
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About Licensing Executives Society (USA & Canada), Inc. (LES):
Established in 1965, LES (USA & Canada) is one of the longest running professional societies supporting the development of members engaged in the creation, commercial development, and orderly transfer of intellectual property. LES members include business executives, lawyers, accountants, consultants, and scientists and engineers; who represent innovation-oriented enterprises of all sizes, professional services firms, universities, and government labs. LES is the largest of 43 global member societies of the Licensing Executives Society International, Inc. (LESI). For more information about LES, visit www.lesusacanada.org.
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