AstraZeneca (LON: AZN) and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (TYO: 4502) have entered into an agreement to collaborate on the development and commercialisation of MEDI1341, an alpha-synuclein antibody that is currently being developed as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease, the UK-based company announced on Tuesday.

Alpha-synuclein is an aggregation-prone protein that has been found to contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. This understanding has led to the development of new Parkinson's disease treatments that look to remove existing pathological alpha-synuclein, so as to prevent their formation or stop them spreading throughout the nervous system. It is thought that such therapies could potentially prevent or delay the onset of the disease, or halt or slow its progression.

The companies believe MEDI1341 has the potential to achieve a better efficacy and safety profile when compared to other alpha-synuclein antibodies due to its high affinity, high selectivity, and its lower interaction with the immune system.

The terms of the agreement will see AstraZeneca lead Phase I development, with Phase I clinical trials set to begin later this year, with Takeda leading future clinical development activities. Future development and commercialisation costs for MEDI1341 will be shared equally between the two companies, as well as any future revenues.

AstraZeneca will receive up to USD400m from Takeda, including initial revenue in 2017. It will then receive additional development and sales milestones. Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.