Angelini Pharma Secures Exclusive Option with Cureverse for Global Brain Health Asset Rights

Angelini Pharma, a division of the privately-owned Angelini Industries, and Cureverse Inc., a pioneering research and development firm, have announced a significant collaboration agreement. This exclusive global option agreement centers on the development and commercialization of Cureverse's innovative brain health compound, CV-01.

Under this agreement, Angelini Pharma will spearhead the development efforts for CV-01. Following an initial option period, Angelini Pharma will secure the global exclusive development and commercialization license for CV-01, except in the Republic of Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. CV-01, a novel investigational compound, is designed to activate protective pathways regulated by the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). This mechanism presents strong potential as a disease-modifying treatment for various brain health disorders, including epilepsy. Currently, CV-01 is undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial in the Republic of Korea and is being developed by Cureverse primarily for Alzheimer's Disease.

In this collaboration, Cureverse will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for additional payments contingent upon pre-defined development and commercial milestones, potentially amounting to approximately $360 million. Additionally, Cureverse will earn tiered royalties based on post-approval net sales.

Jacopo Andreose, Chief Executive Officer of Angelini Pharma, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting how the collaboration with Cureverse enhances Angelini Pharma's leadership in brain health. Andreose pointed out the significant burden of neurological conditions like epilepsy worldwide and noted that despite advancements in treatment, many individuals with epilepsy still struggle to achieve seizure control. Through the development of CV-01 and other potential compounds, Angelini Pharma aims to address this critical need.

Sung Jin Cho, Chief Executive Officer of Cureverse Inc., shared his enthusiasm about the partnership with Angelini Pharma. Cho emphasized the transformative potential of CV-01 in treating a range of brain health conditions, from epilepsy to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. He underscored the alignment between Cureverse's vision and Angelini Pharma's expertise in brain health, aiming to develop life-changing therapies for patients with neurological conditions.

Brain health, as a therapeutic area, encompasses both neurological and mental health conditions. According to the World Health Organization, brain health is defined as a state of brain functioning that enables individuals to realize their full potential across various domains, regardless of the presence of disorders. Brain health is a global priority, given its significant individual, economic, and societal impacts. In Europe alone, an estimated 179 million people live with brain health conditions, contributing to over 18% of all health-related losses globally. The conditions associated with brain health lead to loss of independence, reduced productivity, strained relationships, increased suicide risk, and high healthcare costs, necessitating urgent attention to raise awareness and reduce stigma and discrimination.

Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. In Europe, up to six million people are estimated to have epilepsy. The disease, which can stem from various structural, metabolic, genetic, and other factors, often has no known cause in about half of the cases globally. Epilepsy's complications are severe, with an increased risk of premature mortality and broad impacts on physical and mental health, education, employment, and overall quality of life. Despite available treatments, about 40% of individuals with epilepsy remain uncontrolled even with the use of two anti-seizure medications.

Angelini Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company focused on brain health, including mental health and epilepsy, as well as consumer health. Founded in Italy in the early 20th century, Angelini Pharma operates in 20 countries and employs over 3,000 people. Its products are marketed in over 70 countries through strategic alliances with major international pharmaceutical groups.

Cureverse Inc., founded in 2021, has quickly established itself as a key innovator in the Korean biotech industry. The company specializes in small-molecule therapies targeting central nervous system disorders, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease. At the heart of Cureverse’s innovation is CV-01, which uniquely targets the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, offering unprecedented selectivity in controlling neuroinflammation. Additionally, Cureverse is advancing CV-02, a biased S1P1 agonist, and several other promising non-clinical programs, positioning the company to revolutionize the treatment of neurological conditions globally.