- Theratechnologies gains exclusive rights to two investigational RNA-targeted medicines from Ionis Pharmaceuticals, olezarsen and donidalorsen
- Submissions to Health Canada are planned for 2025, aligning with pending U.S. FDA review timelines
- Ionis receives $10 million upfront, up to $12.75 million in milestone payments and tiered royalties on sales
Theratechnologies (TSX:TH), a leading biopharmaceutical company, has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals to commercialize two innovative RNA-targeted medicines in Canada.
Under the partnership, Theratechnologies gains rights to olezarsen, designed for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), and donidalorsen, targeting hereditary angioedema (HAE). Both drugs address severe, life-threatening conditions that currently lack adequate treatments in Canada.
The agreement bolsters Theratechnologies’ rare disease portfolio, complementing its foundational HIV offerings and U.S.-based business.
“We are thrilled to bring these groundbreaking treatments to patients in Canada,” Paul Lévesque, chief executive officer of Theratechnologies, said in a statement. “This partnership reflects our commitment to addressing unmet medical needs while driving sustained growth.”
About olezarsen and donidalorsen
Olezarsen reduces apoC-III protein levels to regulate triglyceride metabolism. Clinical trials have shown promise for patients with FCS, a rare genetic condition prevalent in specific Canadian regions, and sHTG, which affects millions globally. The U.S. FDA is reviewing olezarsen with a decision expected by December 19, 2024.
Donidalorsen targets prekallikrein (PKK) to prevent acute inflammatory episodes in hereditary angioedema. FDA and European regulatory reviews are underway, with results anticipated in 2025.
Financial terms
Theratechnologies will pay Ionis $10 million upfront, with additional milestone payments of up to $12.75 million based on regulatory approvals and sales benchmarks. Ionis will also receive tiered royalties from Canadian sales.
This strategic partnership highlights Theratechnologies’ mission to address unmet medical needs while expanding its footprint in Canada and beyond. Regulatory submissions to Health Canada are expected in 2025, positioning the company as a leader in delivering life-changing therapies.
About Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Ionis Pharmaceuticals has been a pioneer in RNA-targeted therapies for over three decades, leveraging its deep expertise in disease biology to develop groundbreaking treatments for serious illnesses. With five marketed medicines and a leading pipeline focused on neurology, cardiology and other areas of high need, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA-based and gene-editing approaches.
About Theratechnologies
Theratechnologies is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs. Building on its foundational HIV portfolio, the company focuses on providing life-changing treatments for rare diseases and other complex conditions.
Theratechnologies stock (TSX:TH) is up by 7.57 per cent trading at C$1.99 per share as of 12:40 pm ET. The stock has given back 12.72 per cent year-over-year and 86.94 per cent since 2019.
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(Top photo of lab work at Theratechnologies: Theratechnologies)
