Two giant pharmaceutical companies join forces to develop drugs and treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's disease and migraine. Swiss drug company Novartis will be teaming up with California-based biotech giant Amgen. This global collaboration may show promise in the development of a drug to battle the memory-robbing disease that is affecting millions worldwide.
According to a statement released by Novartis on Tuesday, with the help of Amgen, they will develop pioneering neuroscience treatments like the development of a new BACE inhibitor program in Alzheimer's disease. However, as part of their deal, Amgen will be the one to cover research costs at the beginning of the program. After which, the profit will be divided into a 50-50 profit sharing.
On the other hand, Novartis will cover the costs of the research and development for migraine treatment and pay Amgen, reports Business Insider.
"This Novartis collaboration with Amgen highlights our clear commitment to neuroscience and to bring multiple, new targeted therapies to patients living with Alzheimer's disease and migraine, where the unmet medical need remains high." said David Epstein, Head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals in a press release.
The two companies are working on an oral form of the BACE inhibitor rather than as an injection. This group of drugs work by blocking an enzyme called beta secretase which is responsible in the production of beta-amyloid that creates brain plaques. These plaques are seen to be culprits in the emergence of AD, reports Reuters.
On the other hand, Novartis will develop a drug for migraine using a project called AMG 334, a fully human monoclonal antibody. It specifically targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor which is believed to transmit signals that cause migraine pain, mentioned in a press release by Amgen.
