Carlsbad Drugmaker Ionis Strikes Alzheimer's Deal Worth Up to $200M With Biogen

The San Diego Union Tribune has learned that "Ionis Pharmaceuticals is selling a license to one of its Alzheimer's research programs to its longtime partner, Biogen." The deal brings the California-based drugmaker an infusion of cash, as well as a deeper relationship with the biotechnology giant. The deal got Ionis a $45 million upfront payment from Biogen in addition to the potential to earn another $155 million should the program reach certain commercial and scientific milestones. In return, Biogen receives a license to an experimental drug that is designed to reduce the production of tau, a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The experimental drug is currently being tested on patients with mild cases of Alzheimer's.