Biohaven Licenses Epilepsy Drug Candidate and Kv7 Platform to SK Biopharmaceuticals

Biohaven Pharmaceuticals and SK Biopharmaceuticals have finalized a strategic global licensing agreement for the development and commercialization of Biohaven's Kv7 ion channel platform and its lead epilepsy drug candidate, opakalim.

Under the terms of the agreement, SK Biopharmaceuticals will provide Biohaven with an upfront payment and potential milestone payments totaling up to $795 million. Additionally, Biohaven is eligible to receive tiered royalties on U.S. net sales of opakalim, ranging from the mid-teens to low twenties percentage.

Opakalim is the lead candidate stemming from Biohaven's Kv7 platform. Kv7 ion channels are crucial in regulating neuronal excitability, and their dysfunction has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy.

The agreement allows for the further development of opakalim and potential exploration of new drug candidates leveraging the Kv7 platform, utilizing SK Biopharmaceuticals' global capabilities. The collaboration aims to advance a potential new treatment option for individuals affected by epilepsy.

This transaction provides Biohaven with significant financial resources and strengthens its position in neurological research. For SK Biopharmaceuticals, it represents an expansion of their central nervous system therapeutic pipeline.