SK Biopharmaceuticals Licenses Epilepsy Drug Candidate 'Opakalim' for U.S.
SK Biopharmaceuticals has announced an agreement to in-license the epilepsy drug candidate Opakalim for the U.S. market. The company targets a commercial launch in the United States as early as 2029.
SK Biopharmaceuticals has entered into an agreement to in-license the epilepsy drug candidate Opakalim for the United States. This move positions the company to launch its second proprietary drug directly in the U.S. market.
The deal, which involves the Kv7 platform, could be valued at up to $795 million in upfront and milestone payments, plus tiered royalties. The company is aiming for a potential commercial launch of Opakalim in the U.S. as early as 2029.
Opakalim is being developed to treat epilepsy by targeting neuronal hyperexcitability, a key factor in seizure generation. SK Biopharmaceuticals previously achieved commercial success in the U.S. with its own epilepsy drug, XCOPRI® (cenobamate).
The in-licensing agreement is intended to bolster SK Biopharmaceuticals' presence in the epilepsy drug market and expand its therapeutic portfolio. The company continues to focus on research and development in central nervous system disorders.