Acadia Pharmaceuticals has licensed SAN711, a first-in-class drug, from Saniona for global development and commercialization. The drug is targeted to treat essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder, with a planned Phase 2 study initiation in 2026. This agreement involves a significant upfront payment and substantial milestone and royalty potentials for Saniona.
For Acadia, it diversifies their pipeline and reinforces their commitment to developing treatments for central nervous system disorders. For the industry, it signifies potential progress in addressing essential tremor, a condition with limited treatment innovation for decades, highlighting a significant unmet medical need. This move could potentially lead to a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
Financially, the deal involves a $28 million upfront payment from Acadia to Saniona, with potential milestones reaching $582 million tied to development, commercialization, and sales targets. Saniona is also eligible for tiered royalties, ranging from mid-single to low double-digits, on future net sales of SAN711. Acadia will assume responsibility for further clinical development, regulatory submissions, and global commercialization, while also financially supporting Saniona’s current Phase 1 study and Phase 2 preparations. This substantial investment underscores the perceived value and potential market for SAN711.
This agreement positions Acadia to potentially enter a new therapeutic area and address a substantial unmet medical need. The success of SAN711 could significantly impact Acadia’s future growth and revenue while offering a much-needed new treatment option for individuals with essential tremor. The planned 2026 Phase 2 study will be a crucial milestone in assessing the drug’s efficacy and determining its potential path towards regulatory approval and eventual commercialization. The outcome of this study will significantly influence the future direction of essential tremor treatment and potentially improve the lives of countless individuals affected by this condition. The substantial financial investment by Acadia indicates a strong belief in the drug’s potential and the market opportunity it represents.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Ferry, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
