Prothelia and Alexion partner with University of Nevada for ultra-rare neuromuscular disorder

Privately-held USA-based Prothelia and the University of Nevada, Reno, have entered into strategic agreements with Alexion Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ALXN) for the development of Laminin-111, a patented experimental protein replacement therapy for merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A), a life-threatening, ultra-rare disease caused by a genetic deficiency of the Laminin-211 protein.

Option to acquire Prothelia

The three parties have entered into a binding agreement wherein Alexion has an exclusive option to acquire Prothelia and license Laminin-111 directly from the University of Nevada Reno on the achievement of specified R&D milestones. In addition, the University and Alexion have entered into a sponsored research agreement to accelerate further research on the investigational therapy conditioned on the outcome of certain development research to be performed by Alexion.