Biohaven sells rights to its lead epilepsy drug opakalim to SK Biopharma for up to $795 million

Biohaven announced it will transfer the rights to its most advanced experimental therapy for focal epilepsy, known as opakalim, to South Korean company SK Biopharma.

The agreement could bring as much as $795 million to Biohaven, including an upfront payment of $350 million, a $50 million payment next year, and up to $150 million tied to development milestones, plus future royalties.

SK Biopharma will also assume obligations previously held by Knopp Biosciences, estimated at up to $245 million, and will gain access to Biohaven’s Kv7 ion channel platform.

Opakalim is currently in late‑stage clinical testing, with results from the Rise3 trial expected before year end, giving SK Biopharma a near‑term pipeline asset.