J&J Enters Global License and Development Agreement with Pipeline Therapeutics for all Indications of PIPE-307

Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceutica NV has entered a $50 million upfront licensing agreement with Pipeline Therapeutics for an oral multiple sclerosis (MS) drug, PIPE-307, which has the potential to bring in up to $1 billion for the biotech company. PIPE-307, a muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist, has completed two phase 1 trials in healthy patients and is cleared for clinical development in relapsing-remitting MS patients.

Under the agreement, Janssen will obtain a worldwide license for PIPE-307's research, development, and commercialization in all potential indications, while Pipeline will retain the right to advance the therapy through the mid-stage MS trial.

In addition to the upfront payment, Pipeline will receive a $25 million equity payment from Johnson & Johnson Innovation and another $25 million from existing investors, with the possibility of $1 billion in clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones, plus royalties if PIPE-307 proves successful.

Reference: J&J opens the valve on $50M MS partnership with Pipeline. April 17, 2023 / FierceBiotech