Biogen buys potential Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s treatment from Pfizer

Biogen has agreed to purchase an experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s from Pfizer. According to the companies, Biogen will shell out $75 million up front and another $635 million in potential milestone payments.

The treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms of Sundowning, which causes about 20 percent of Alzheimer’s patients to become confused and anxious. It is also a potential candidate for treating Irregular Sleep Wake Rhythm Disorder, which disrupts the sleep of patients with Parkinson’s.

Biogen said the new drug would complement its existing pipeline of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s treatments. The company plans to file for FDA approval of its Alzheimer’s drug, aducanumab, later this year. 

Read the Reuters report.