Denali Enters Into a $275M Funding Deal With Royalty Pharma

Core Insights - Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) has secured a funding agreement with Royalty Pharma plc (RPRX) amounting to $275 million, leading to a 5.84% increase in stock price following the announcement [1][7] - The funding is linked to the future net sales of Denali's lead drug candidate, tividenofusp alfa, which is aimed at treating mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), also known as Hunter syndrome [1][7] Funding Agreement Details - The agreement provides a significant capital influx as Denali approaches a critical regulatory event, with the biologics license application (BLA) for tividenofusp alfa under review in the U.S., targeting an action date of April 5, 2026 [2][8] - The deal includes an initial payment of $200 million upon closing, with an additional $75 million contingent on obtaining European Medicines Agency approval by December 31, 2029 [4][5] Royalty Structure - Royalty Pharma will receive a 9.25% royalty on worldwide net sales of tividenofusp alfa, with payments ceasing upon reaching a multiple of 3.0x, or 2.5x if achieved by the first quarter of 2039 [5] Regulatory Timeline - The FDA extended the review timeline for the BLA from January 5, 2026, to April 5, 2026, due to a major amendment submission by Denali, which was not related to efficacy, safety, or biomarkers [8][9] - The FDA has previously granted multiple designations to tividenofusp alfa, including Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track [9] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Denali reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling approximately $872.9 million [10] Other Development Candidates - Denali is also developing other candidates in collaboration with Takeda and Biogen, including DNL593 for frontotemporal dementia and BIIB122 for early-stage Parkinson's disease [11][12]