USA—Acadia Pharmaceuticals has secured an exclusive global license from Saniona to develop and commercialise SAN711, a promising treatment for essential tremor, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking.
This new drug, a GABAA-α3 positive allosteric modulator, is set to enter a Phase II clinical trial in 2026, targeting essential tremor as its primary indication.
As part of the agreement, Saniona will receive an upfront payment of US$28 million, with the potential for up to US$582 million in milestone payments, in addition to royalties on the drug’s net sales.
This news follows a recent achievement for Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Health Canada granted the company marketing authorisation for DAYBUE (trofinetide), a therapy designed to treat Rett syndrome in adults and children aged two years and older.
Acadia’s strong track record in developing neurological treatments makes it well-positioned to lead the clinical development of SAN711, which will include regulatory submissions and global commercialization efforts.
Saniona’s CEO, Thomas Feldthus, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that the collaboration leverages Acadia’s extensive expertise in neuroscience.
He emphasized that SAN711 represents a promising treatment option for neurological conditions while helping to push forward other valuable programs in their pipeline.
Feldthus also highlighted the alignment of both companies’ missions, aiming to improve the lives of those affected by neurological disorders.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, Catherine Owen Adams, also shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration.
She noted that the licensing of SAN711 highlights Acadia’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative therapies for patients suffering from central nervous system disorders.
Adams pointed out that essential tremor has seen little innovation in treatment over the past several decades, making SAN711 a compelling opportunity to address this long-standing medical need.
In October 2024, Saniona initiated a Phase I trial of SAN711, dosing its first patient in a multiple ascending dose/biomarker study.
This trial is crucial for gathering data on SAN711’s safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics at higher doses than previously tested.
The trial will also pave the way for a planned clinical proof-of-concept study for treating children with absence seizures in 2025.
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