Genentech signs up to develop Alector’s preclinical blood-brain barrier therapy in $1.27 billion deal

Genentech, a Roche subsidiary, announced a deal with Alector to obtain exclusive rights to its preclinical blood-brain barrier delivery asset, AL050.

The agreement provides $100 million upfront and up to $1.17 billion in milestone payments and tiered royalties. Genentech will be responsible for development, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercialization, while Alector retains ownership of its delivery platform.

AL050 is an engineered glucocerebrosidase enzyme replacement therapy aimed at neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, targeting GCase deficiency that is linked to Parkinson’s risk.

The partnership follows a series of clinical-stage setbacks for Alector, positioning its platform for a major pharma collaboration.