JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced that JCR has signed Research Collaboration, Option and License Agreement with Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease to develop an undisclosed initial therapeutic molecule that applies JCR's proprietary J-Brain Cargo, blood-brain barrier penetration technology, for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease. J-Brain Cargo, which is a JCR proprietary technology, allows the delivery of biotherapeutics into the central nervous system via a mechanism called receptor-mediated transcytosis. The first drug approved in Japan using the J-Brain Cargo technology is IZCARGO for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis II, a lysosomal storage disease with significant central nervous signs and symptoms. Since the platform technology has broad applicability to many therapeutic effectors, it has the potential to treat multiple CNS indications.

The agreement with Alexion is the first international partnership to apply the J-Brain Cargo technology for the treatment of a neuro degenerative disease. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will begin research and development of new treatments using the J-Brain Cargo Technology in combination with an undisclosed effector molecule. During the research period, Alexion also has the option to nominate additional therapeutic protein candidates in undisclosed indications.

Following pre-clinical development, Alexion may exercise its option to further develop and commercialize new drug candidates under this collaboration. JCR will receive an immediate upfront payment from Alexion and has the right to receive certain research, development and commercial milestones and royalties upon the achievement of certain milestone events, including on post approval net sales.