Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Saniona to develop and commercialize SAN711, a pioneering, highly selective GABAA-a3 positive allosteric modulator. Initially, Acadia aims to advance the development of SAN711 as a treatment for essential tremor, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling in various parts of the body.
The company plans to commence a Phase 2 clinical trial for SAN711 targeting essential tremor by 2026. Under the terms of this licensing agreement, Saniona will receive an upfront payment of $28 million, with the potential to earn additional milestone payments totaling up to $582 million. Furthermore, Saniona is entitled to tiered royalties ranging from mid-single digits to low double digits on the net sales of any commercial products developed from SAN711.
This structure includes possible milestone payouts of up to $147 million, dependent on achieving specific development and commercialization benchmarks for both the initial and a second potential indication, alongside up to $435 million tied to reaching annual net sales targets of SAN711 globally. Acadia will spearhead further clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and worldwide commercialization endeavors for SAN711, while also providing financial backing for Saniona’s ongoing Phase 1 study and its preparations for Phase 2.
