Biogen Idec and Acorda to Develop and Commercialize MS Therapy Fampridine-SR in Markets Outside the US

Biogen Idec (Cambridge, MA) and Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Hawthorne, NY) have entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement to develop and commercialize Fampridine-SR, a multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy, in markets outside the United States. Fampridine-SR is a novel, oral sustained-release compound being developed to improve walking ability in people with MS. The companies also have entered into a related supply agreement. The transaction represents a sublicensing of an existing license agreement between Acorda and Elan Pharma International Limited, a subsidiary of Elan Corporation plc (Dublin, Ireland).

Fampridine-SR is a sustained-release tablet formulation of the investigational drug fampridine (4-aminopyridine or 4-AP). It has been found to improve impulse conduction in nerve fibers in which the insulating layer, called myelin, has been damaged. Fampridine-SR was developed using Elan’s proprietary oral controlled release MXDAS (MatriX drug absorption system) technology and will be manufactured by Elan based on an existing supply agreement with Acorda.

Under the terms of the agreement, Biogen Idec will commercialize Fampridine-SR and any aminopyridine products developed under the agreement in non-US. markets worldwide and will also have responsibility for regulatory activities and future clinical development of Fampridine-SR in those markets. Acorda will receive an upfront payment of $110 million and additional payments of up to $400 million based on the successful achievement of future regulatory and sales milestones. Biogen Idec will make tiered, double-digit royalty payments to Acorda on non-US sales, and, in addition, the consideration that Biogen Idec pays for products will reflect all amounts due from Acorda to Elan for non-US sales, including royalties owed.

Elan will continue to manufacture commercial supply of Fampridine-SR, based on its existing supply agreement with Acorda. Under the existing agreements with Elan, Acorda will pay Elan 7% of the upfront and milestone payments that Acorda receives from Biogen Idec.

Acorda will continue to develop and commercialize Fampridine-SR independently in the US. The US Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing a New Drug Application (NDA) for Fampridine-SR. The NDA was assigned priority review and a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of October 22, 2009.