GSK and Alector Strike $2.2 Billion Deal to Develop Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s Drugs

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Alector have forged a $2.2 billion pact to develop monoclonal antibodies for treating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, among other neurological conditions.

The companies will co-develop two candidates, AL001 and AL101, meant to raise levels of progranulin, a regulator of immune activity in the brain linked to several neurodegenerative disorders.

The drugmakers also aim to develop treatments for dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, for which multiple trials are under way.

Under the agreement, South San Francisco, Calif.-based Alector will get $700 million upfront with the potential to receive a further $1.5 billion in milestone payments, profit-sharing and royalties on U.S. sales. GSK will retain the rights to nonU.S. sales.