The Life Sciences team represented Lysosomal Therapeutics, Inc. (LTI) in its exclusive option arrangement with Allergan plc. Under the agreement, Allergan purchased an option right directly from LTI shareholders to acquire LTI following completion of a Phase 1b trial for lead compound LTI-291, which aims to stimulate the activity of glucocerebrosidase (GCase) in the brain. It is hoped that activation of GCase by LTI-291 will impact the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) in the approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients with PD who have mutations of the GBA1 gene.
In addition, Allergan will provide a separate upfront research and development payment. Allergan and LTI will establish a joint development committee to oversee the development activities for LTI-291. Additional terms were not disclosed.
Lysosomal Therapeutics is dedicated to innovative small-molecule research and development in the field of neurodegeneration, yielding new treatment options for patients with severe neurological diseases. LTI's strategy leverages the clinically validated link between lysosome-based genetic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases to establish a unique and effective platform for novel drug discovery. LTI's lead program targets Gaucher-related neurodegeneration, Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Investors include Atlas Venture, Hatteras Venture Partners, Lilly Ventures, Partners Innovation Fund, Roche Venture Fund and Sanofi Genzyme BioVentures.
The Goodwin team was led by partner Robert E. Puopolo and included partners Duncan Greenhalgh and Daniel Karelitz and associates Noelle Dubiansky and Jesse Nevarez.
For additional details on the transaction, please read the press release.