Angelini Pharma has entered into an exclusive global option agreement with Sovargen, a South Korean biotechnology firm, to license the development and commercialization rights for the innovative brain health compound, SVG105. This agreement, announced on September 22, 2025, excludes rights in the Republic of Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Under the terms of this collaboration, both companies will work together on the pre-clinical development of SVG105. Following an initial option period, Angelini Pharma will have the opportunity to advance the compound into clinical development and commercialization in the specified regions. SVG105 employs a cutting-edge anti-sense oligonucleotide technology that targets the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathways, which are critical in addressing various brain health disorders, including drug-resistant childhood epilepsy.
Sovargen will receive an upfront payment as part of the agreement and is also positioned to earn additional milestone-dependent payments and royalties, potentially amounting to approximately US$550 million based on the compound’s future development and commercial achievements. This partnership further enhances Angelini Pharma’s expanding portfolio in the brain health sector, following a series of strategic alliances aimed at addressing urgent medical needs.
Expanding a Strong Portfolio in Brain Health
This announcement comes on the heels of several significant collaborations that Angelini Pharma has undertaken in recent years to bolster its pipeline in brain health. In May 2025, the company partnered with GRIN Therapeutics Inc. for the development and commercialization rights of radiprodil, a drug currently under investigation for rare genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. Just days prior, Angelini Pharma signed an agreement to acquire OmniAb’s innovative preclinical asset, RO’599, which has potential applications across various brain health conditions.
Additionally, in 2023, the company formed a strategic partnership with Cureverse, a spinoff from the Korean Institute of Science and Technology focused on developing small molecules for central nervous system disorders. Angelini Pharma also collaborated with JCR Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese biotech company, to utilize its breakthrough technology for enabling biologics to cross the blood-brain barrier.
These initiatives reflect Angelini Pharma’s commitment to advancing a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, from small molecule compounds to biologics and anti-sense oligonucleotides, aimed at improving brain health outcomes globally.
Addressing Global Health Challenges
According to Jacopo Andreose, Chief Executive Officer of Angelini Pharma, this partnership with Sovargen “solidifies our leading role in the field of brain health.” He emphasized that neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy, pose significant challenges to global health. Despite advancements in treatment, many individuals living with epilepsy do not achieve adequate seizure control, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.
Cheolwon Park, Chief Executive Officer at Sovargen, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that their research indicates SVG105 has the potential to transform brain health treatment. This agreement is anticipated to enhance research efforts and bring new treatment options to patients affected by neurological conditions.
Brain health encompasses a broad range of neurological and mental health issues, with the World Health Organization recognizing its importance as a state of functioning that allows individuals to reach their full potential. The prevalence of brain health conditions is significant, affecting an estimated 179 million people in Europe alone, while globally, around 50 million individuals live with epilepsy.
The complexities and complications associated with epilepsy are severe, with individuals facing a higher risk of premature mortality and significant impacts on their quality of life. Despite available treatments, approximately 40% of those affected remain uncontrolled, underscoring the critical need for continued research and development in this area.
Angelini Pharma, founded in Italy in the early 20th century, operates in over 20 countries and employs more than 3,000 people. The company focuses on research and development in brain health, including mental health and epilepsy, as part of its broader mission to provide effective health solutions.
As this partnership unfolds, both Angelini Pharma and Sovargen are poised to make significant strides in the quest to address pressing brain health challenges globally, offering hope to millions impacted by these conditions.
