Lundbeck A/S has announced a new research collaboration with Danish biotech Contera Pharma aimed at accelerating the discovery of RNA-targeting medicines for serious neurological conditions.
A step forward in RNA innovation
The partnership will combine Lundbeck’s 70-year history in brain health research with Contera’s multiple RNA discovery platforms to identify new oligonucleotide-based therapies. By targeting RNA processes that drive disease progression, the companies aim to address areas of high unmet medical need in neurology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Contera will receive an upfront payment, full research funding per target, and milestone-based rewards tied to preclinical, clinical, and regulatory progress. Lundbeck will retain the rights to advance successful candidates into later-stage development and global commercialisation.
Tarek Samad, Senior Vice President and Head of Research, Lundbeck, said: “Partnering with Contera provides us with the opportunity to expand our pipeline with RNA-targeting candidates that can result in entirely new treatments. The collaboration perfectly supports our aim to deliver therapies for patients with serious neurological conditions where few or no options exist today.”
Klaus Simonsen, Vice President for External Research and Innovation, Lundbeck, added:
“Early research partnering is a cornerstone of our strategy to systematically build a highly networked ecosystem of leading neuroscience and technology innovators.”
Building partnerships for brain health
The collaboration aligns with Lundbeck’s broader strategy to expand its R&D pipeline through external partnerships. Announced last month, the company plans to exit 27 markets and shift to a partner-led model. This restructuring, affecting around 600 employees, is designed to redirect resources toward growth regions and high-value R&D areas such as neuro-rare and neuro-specialty disorders.
Charl van Zyl, CEO, Lundbeck, explained that the reorganisation will allow the company to “focus investment where it can deliver the strongest scientific and commercial impact”. By transferring operations to three strategic partners in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Lundbeck aims to maintain market presence while reinforcing its role as a “focused innovator” in brain health.
