Amicus Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for rare and orphan diseases, is collaborating with Biogen Idec to discover, develop and commercialize novel small molecules for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The collaboration will build upon preclinical studies at Amicus and independent published research that suggest increasing activity of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerobrosidase (GCase) in the brain may correct alpha-synuclein pathology and other deficits associated with Parkinson's.

The companies will collaborate in the discovery of a new class of small molecules that target the GCase enzyme, for further development and commercialization by Biogen Idec. Biogen Idec will be responsible for funding all discovery, development and commercialization activities. In addition, Amicus will be reimbursed for all full-time employees working on the project and also is eligible to receive development and regulatory milestones, as well as modest royalties on global net sales.