Acadia Partners With Saniona To Develop Essential Tremor Treatment SAN711

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. has signed an exclusive global licensing agreement with Saniona to develop and commercialise SAN711, an innovative and highly selective GABAA-α3 positive allosteric modulator. The initial focus for SAN711 will be its development for treating essential tremor, a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary shaking or trembling. Acadia intends to commence a Phase 2 clinical trial for SAN711 targeting critical tremor in 2026.

Catherine Owen Adams, Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement, "Licensing SAN711 to expand our pipeline underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative therapies for patients with central nervous system disorders. Essential tremor is a condition that has not seen innovation in treatment for decades, creating a compelling opportunity to address a long-overlooked need. Our work with SAN711 will draw on our deep expertise in developing and commercialising cutting-edge treatments for neurological disorders."

As part of the agreement, Saniona will receive an upfront payment of $28 million and could earn up to $582 million in milestone payments. These include $147 million tied to development and commercial milestones for the first and second indications and up to $435 million contingent on achieving specific global annual net sales targets for SAN711. Additionally, Saniona will be entitled to tiered royalties ranging from mid-single digits to low double digits on future net sales.

Acadia will oversee the further clinical development, regulatory processes, and worldwide commercialisation of SAN711. The company will also provide financial support for Saniona’s ongoing Phase 1 study and preparations for the upcoming Phase 2 trial, ensuring a collaborative approach to advancing this innovative therapy.