Biogen acquires stroke therapy Cirara from Remedy Pharmaceuticals

Biogen has announced the acquisition of a promising new therapy for large hemispheric stroke from Remedy Pharmaceuticals for an upfront fee of $120 million (93.14 million pounds).

The phase III candidate is known as Cirara, or intravenous glyburide, and is designed for the treatment of large hemispheric infarction, a severe form of ischaemic stroke where brain swelling leads to a significant degree of stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

In preclinical studies, Cirara has been shown to block SUR1-TRPM4 channels that mediate stroke-related brain swelling, while clinical proof-of-concept trials have demonstrated the drug's potential to reduce brain swelling, disability and the risk of death.

Biogen will continue the development and commercialisation of this therapy, with Remedy sharing the cost of development for the target indication. In addition to the upfront payment of $120 million, Biogen may also pay milestone-based fees and royalties.

Dr Michael Ehlers, executive vice-president for research and development at Biogen, said: "We believe the data supporting the potential of Cirara is compelling and that Cirara can be a first-in-class therapy that gives physicians the ability to meaningfully improve patient outcomes."

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