Chiesi Pharma, a specialist in rare diseases, has entered into a strategic collaboration with US biotech company Aliada Therapeutics. The partnership aims to leverage a cutting-edge technology designed to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) – a protective shield in the brain that hampers the delivery of large-molecule therapeutics to the central nervous system.
Aliada’s innovative modular delivery (MODEL) platform has caught Chiesi’s interest. This platform capitalises on natural transport mechanisms within brain endothelial cells, utilising receptors like transferrin and CD98. By exploiting these pathways, the technology facilitates the transportation of therapeutic molecules across the BBB and into the CNS.
This marks the second recent collaboration focused on BBB-penetrating technologies, following Biogen’s partnership with Denali on its ATV technology. Both efforts aim to enhance the effectiveness of drugs targeting brain-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our commitment to the development of new treatment options for people living with lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) is global, as evidenced by recent regulatory approvals. Many LSDs have CNS involvement. With this collaboration, we are expanding our strategy and presence in BBB-crossing technologies and hope to leverage our know-how in LSDs to support the development of an effective and differentiated drug delivery platform. We are especially proud to advance this important research with Aliada, a partner with vast experience in neuro drug development and biologics delivery.”
– Giacomo Chiesi, head of Chiesi Global Rare Diseases
Chiesi’s intent is to apply the MODEL approach to a range of enzyme cargoes. The goal extends beyond elevating therapeutic levels within the brain – the aim is to optimize CNS delivery and subsequent functionality. This strategy is poised to advance treatment options for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), a group of metabolic disorders often addressed through enzyme replacement therapies.
Within Chiesi’s diverse portfolio, treatments for LSDs include Elfabrio for Fabry disease and Lamzede for alpha-mannosidosis. Notably, the rare disease segment contributed €227 million of Chiesi’s total first-half revenue of €1.5 billion this year.
“We are excited to partner with Chiesi to develop improved therapeutics for patients living with LSDs, who currently lack treatments that can readily access the brain. We admire Chiesi’s continued commitment to patients, exemplified by their two recent FDA approvals. This collaboration will allow Aliada to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of our MODEL platform, which enables us to efficiently transport a diverse range of therapeutic cargoes into the brain.”
– Adam Rosenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Aliada Therapeutics
This partnership marks a milestone for Aliada Therapeutics, a Boston-based biotech founded in 2021. The company secured $32 million in funding last December, with support from industry leaders such as Johnson & Johnson Innovation Capital, Sanofi Ventures, OrbiMed, and RA Capital.
Aliada’s BBB technology is versatile, applicable to a range of therapeutic agents including monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, oligonucleotides, peptides, and other proteins. This collaboration holds the potential to reshape treatment strategies for challenging neurological conditions, making strides in the pursuit of effective CNS drug delivery.
