Avenue Therapeutics has licensed AnnJi Pharmaceutical’s AJ201, an investigational treatment for  spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, also known as Kennedy’s disease, a rare genetic motor neuron disorder primarily affecting men.

AJ201 is designed to modify the disease through several mechanisms, including degradation of an abnormal androgen receptor protein.

Taiwan-based AnnJi completed a phase 1 trial of the candidate in 2021 which demonstrated the molecule’s safety. AJ201 is currently being studied in a phase 1b/2a trial.

Under the licensing deal, AnnJi will receive an upfront payment of $3 million and is eligible for unspecified future milestone payments.