11 May 2023 - - Italy-based Angelini Pharma, part of the privately owned Angelini Industries, and Japan-based JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (TSE 4552) have entered into an exclusive global development and commercialization agreement for the development of novel biologic therapies that applies J-Brain Cargo, blood-brain barrier penetrating technology, for the treatment of epilepsy, the companies said.

JCR and Angelini Pharma will collaboratively lead the discovery and pre-clinical development efforts for the identification of brain-penetrant biologic therapeutics using JCR's proprietary blood-brain barrier technology, J-Brain Cargo.

This technology allows the delivery of biotherapeutics into the central nervous system via a mechanism called receptor-mediated transcytosis.

Following the pre-clinical development phase, Angelini Pharma will have an exclusive license option to advance therapeutic candidates identified as part of the collaboration into clinical development and global commercialization outside of Japan.

Under the terms of the agreement, JCR will receive reimbursement of research expenses and an upfront payment.

JCR will also be eligible to receive additional payments of up to USD 505.5m upon reaching development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on post-approval net sales.

Epilepsy is thought to affect more than 50 m people worldwidei, representing one of the most common, serious, chronic and debilitating neurological conditions worldwide.

It occurs in people of all ages and has numerous neurobiological, cognitive and psychosocial consequences.

Seizures cannot be controlled with available medications in many of these individuals, resulting in a high unmet need for novel therapies that offer long-lasting relief from the significant impact and burden of the disease on all aspects of their life.

Angelini Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company and part of the privately owned multi- business Angelini Industries.

The company researches, develops and commercializes health solutions with a focus on the areas of Brain Health, including Mental Health and Epilepsy, and Consumer Health.

Founded in Italy at the beginning of the 20th century, Angelini Pharma operates directly in 20 countries, employing more than 3,000 people.

Its products are marketed in over 70 countries through strategic alliances with international pharmaceutical groups.

Angelini Industries is a multinational industrial group founded in Ancona in 1919 by Francesco Angelini.

Today, Angelini Industries represents a solid and diversified industrial reality that employs approximately 5,800 employees and operates in 21 countries around the world with revenues of over EUR 2bn, generated in the health, industrial technology, and consumer goods sectors.

A targeted investment strategy for growth; constant commitment to research and development; deep knowledge of markets and business sectors, make Angelini Industries one of the Italian companies of excellence in the sectors in which it operates.

JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (TSE 4552) is a global specialty pharmaceuticals company that is redefining expectations and expanding possibilities for people with rare and genetic diseases worldwide.

The company continues to build upon its 48-year legacy in Japan while expanding its global footprint into the US, Europe, and Latin America.

JCR improves patients' lives by applying its scientific expertise and unique technologies to research, develop, and deliver next-generation therapies.