#USA #New York #GRIN Therapeutics #Radiprodil #Angelini Pharma

GRIN Therapeutics Partners with Angelini Pharma

In a significant development within the pharmaceutical industry, GRIN Therapeutics, renowned for its innovative treatments targeting neurodevelopmental disorders, has teamed up with Angelini Pharma to exclusively develop and commercialize its investigational treatment, Radiprodil, beyond the North American market. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to enhance the reach and efficiency of therapies that could change the lives of those afflicted by rare genetic conditions that lead to severe neurological disabilities.

Financial Commitment and Strategic Goals

The collaboration is underpinned by a robust financial agreement that includes a closure of $140 million in Series D financing, where Angelini Pharma is a major investor. This financing consists of a $65 million strategic equity investment by Angelini Pharma and an additional $75 million from existing investor Blackstone Life Sciences. The partnership signifies a total immediate financial commitment nearing $115 million from Angelini alone, demonstrating their strong belief in the potential of Radiprodil to address unmet medical needs in neurodevelopmental disorders.

GRIN Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment of $50 million and stands to gain up to $520 million based on achieving multiple milestones related to development, regulatory approvals, and sales targets. This funding is essential as it will support ongoing operational costs, including pivotal global Phase 3 trials scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, aimed at treating conditions associated with GRIN—a collection of genetic syndromes affecting neural development.

Insights from Key Executives

Bruce Leuchter, the President and CEO of Neurvati Neurosciences and GRIN Therapeutics, expressed excitement about the partnership and added that this collaboration not only validates the clinical data gathered to date but also reinforces the high value placed on the Radiprodil program. He noted the urgency in addressing the pressing needs of patients suffering from GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorders (GRIN-NDD).

Jacopo Andreose, CEO of Angelini Pharma, asserted that this collaboration aligns with their mission to advance groundbreaking treatment options in brain health, focusing on complex neurological disorders. He highlighted the immense potential of Radiprodil, viewing its development as a means to tackle unmet medical needs worldwide. The synergy created by leveraging both companies’ expertise in neurology underscores their commitment to bringing such innovative solutions to market.

Understanding Radiprodil and Its Impact

Radiprodil stands out as a highly selective negative allosteric modulator targeting the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor, integral to cognitive functions, seizure control, and synaptic transmission. Its role is critical as various neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy syndromes are linked to genetic mutations or receptor overactivity, making Radiprodil a hope for many patients who currently lack adequate treatment options.

The drug has gained notable recognition, including the Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. FDA. Such designations highlight its potential efficacy for patients with GRIN-NDD suffering from gain-of-function variants. Moreover, Radiprodil is also being investigated for its therapeutic benefits in other conditions such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II, further broadening its applicability.

Future Prospects and Global Trials

The partnership allows GRIN to maintain exclusive rights for Radiprodil's development in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, while Angelini will focus on commercializing the drug in international markets. The planned Phase 3 clinical trial aims to evaluate Radiprodil's efficacy across various outcome metrics pertaining to seizures, behavior, and overall functionality in patients. The momentum generated by this collaboration places both companies on the frontline of neuroscience innovations, enhancing their capabilities to deliver crucial therapeutic advancements.

Angelini Pharma’s board will gain a new member from this partnership as Jacopo Andreose joins GRIN’s Board of Directors. His extensive background in global drug commercialization will be pivotal in steering Radiprodil through the complexities of pharmaceutical development and regulatory processes.

In conclusion, the partnership between GRIN Therapeutics and Angelini Pharma represents a milestone within the biopharma landscape, merging expertise and resources to tackle urgent medical needs. As both companies prepare for the impending trials, the global health community eagerly anticipates the results and the potential availability of Radiprodil as a new treatment avenue for patients worldwide.

This collaboration is a testament to how strategic partnerships can effectively enhance healthcare solutions for some of the most challenging conditions faced today.