UCL and Eisai have signed a new agreement extending their drug discovery and development collaboration for five years, through 2030, to accelerate therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The alliance, first launched in 2012 and led by the UCL Translational Research Office and the Faculty of Brain Sciences, will continue a translational model that connects academic research with industry expertise to move discoveries toward the clinic.
According to the company, eight drug discovery projects have been supported to date through a £10 million investment, with further funding committed over the next five years.
A key output of the partnership is the anti-MTBR tau antibody E2814, discovered through the collaboration and currently being evaluated in the DIAN-TU Phase II/III trial for dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease and a Phase II trial for sporadic early Alzheimer’s (Study 202).
Over the extension period, the alliance will prioritise progressing projects through recognised development stage gates, advancing high-potential programs, strengthening the neurodegeneration talent pipeline by creating specialist scientist roles, and sustaining close engagement across both organizations.
Eisai also announced a strategic investment at its Hatfield manufacturing site supported by the UK Government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, subject to terms and conditions.
