Alexion and Complement Pharma Form Partnership to Co-Develop Complement Inhibitor for Neurodegenerative Disorders

Rare Daily Staff

Alexion Pharmaceuticals entered into a partnership with Complement Pharma to co-develop the preclinical C6 complement inhibitor CP010 for neurodegenerative disorders.

The complement system is part of the body’s immune system that destroys pathogens and other foreign material from the body. When the complement system becomes over-active, it can fuel the development of diseases.

CP010 is a humanized monoclonal antibody in preclinical development that binds to C6 in circulation to inhibit its function throughout the body by preventing membrane attack complex formation in both the periphery and the central nervous system.

C6 inhibition prevents the formation of the destructive membrane attack complex, a complex of terminal complement proteins that mediate cellular injury following complement activation and has the potential to treat a variety of central nervous system disorders.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alexion will provide Complement Pharma with up to $16.5 million (€14 million) in milestone-dependent payments through phase 1b development. Complement Pharma will be responsible for conducting preclinical and phase 1 studies and for manufacturing CP010. The phased agreement extends through the completion of phase 1b development. Alexion has the option to acquire Complement Pharma during the term of the agreement.

“Alexion has been a pioneer in complement biology since the development of Soliris, the world’s first complement inhibitor, which has demonstrated the significant impact that C5 inhibition can have on several diseases caused by uncontrolled complement activation,” said John Orloff, executive vice president and head of research & development at Alexion. “This collaboration provides an exciting opportunity to expand on our more than two decades of complement expertise to potentially treat additional diseases by targeting C6, a different component of the complement system.”

June 12, 2018
Photo: John Orloff, executive vice president and head of research & development at Alexion