AlzeCure Pharma has signed an out‑licensing and collaboration agreement with Danish biotech QuantumCell ApS, granting global rights to the company’s NeuroRestore platform, including its lead drug candidate ACD856.
Under the agreement, AlzeCure will receive a total upfront payment of USD 12 million, including USD 5 million as a direct investment at a 30% premium to the average share price over the past 10 trading days.
The deal also includes set development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered single‑digit to low double‑digit royalties on future sales. The total value of the agreement, excluding royalties, exceeds USD 2.2 billion.
NeuroRestore ACD856 is a small‑molecule positive modulator of NGF/TrkA and BDNF/TrkB signalling. Preclinical studies have shown that it enhances communication between neurons and improves cognitive function, including learning and memory.
The drug candidate, currently in clinical development, has also demonstrated neuroprotective, anti‑inflammatory and disease‑modifying effects in several preclinical models. Its mechanism enables potential use across multiple indications, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and depression.
Johan Sandin, Chief Scientific Officer at AlzeCure Pharma, said: “With the positive clinical results that we previously obtained with ACD856, as well as the preclinical results that support both cognitive enhancing abilities, neuroprotective as well as potent antidepressant effects, this is a very innovative and promising drug candidate for a wide range of indications.”
QuantumCell, the acquiring party, is engaged in pharmaceutical development.
AlzeCure Pharma’s CEO Martin Jönsson said: “The outlicensing and collaboration agreement with QuantumCell is another important milestone for AlzeCure.”
“This first‑in‑class Trk‑PAM drug project has been developed from idea to clinical phase in‑house and shows the capabilities within AlzeCure. With this agreement we see the opportunity for the project’s assets to earlier reach and benefit several different patient groups.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Swedish and Danish authorities under foreign direct investment regulations.
