Servier links with Miragen for cardiovascular drugs; takes up Ampakine option

Laboratoires Servier , France’s largest independent drugmaker has entered into a research, development and commercialization deal with USA-based Miragen Therapeutics, a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives by developing innovative microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics for cardiovascular and muscle disease, for three drug candidates, including two of miRagen’s lead programs (miR-208 and miR-15/195) and one additional target yet to be identified, for cardiovascular disease.

This partnership provides worldwide rights, excluding the USs and Japan, to Servier and could earn the US firm around $352 million in milestones and a potential $1 billion including development support and payments to Miragen.

Under the terms of the accord, Miragen will receive upfront payment, research support and near-term milestone payments over the next three years, as well as royalties on sales, based on the successful outcome of the collaboration. Miragen and Servier will collaborate on the research and development effort, while Servier alone will be responsible for all costs associated with the global development, regulatory approval and commercialization of the three product candidates worldwide, excluding the USA and Japanese markets.