Biohaven, SK Biopharmaceuticals Ink Licensing Pact for Next-Gen Epilepsy Candidate

Editor’s Take: Patients with epilepsy would welcome being able to better control seizures without exacerbating adverse central nervous system effects.

Biohaven and SK Biopharmaceuticals reached a strategic global licensing and collaboration agreement for a next-generation treatment for epilepsy.

In the deal, SK Biopharmaceuticals gains exclusive, worldwide license to Biohaven’s Kv7 ion channel platform. This is led by opakalim (BHV-7000), a selective Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channel activator.

Why New Epilepsy Treatment?

Opakalim is currently in Phase II/III development for focal (or partial-onset) epilepsy, noted Biohaven Chairman and CEO Vlad Coric, MD. Coric said patients with epilepsy have a need for better seizure control, without exacerbating adverse central nervous system effects.

These side effects can include, but are not limited to, sedation and dizziness—associated with many antiseizure medicines.

“Opakalim is one of the most exciting assets we have advanced,” Coric said. “SK Biopharmaceuticals is an ideal partner, having launched Xcopri. [It’s] the only company to bring a new antiseizure medicine for partial-onset seizures to patients in the U.S. since 2016. Pairing our scientific innovation with SK Biopharmaceuticals’ established epilepsy development … gives opakalim, if approved, its fastest and strongest path.”

SK and Biohaven Financials

Financially, SK Biopharmaceuticals will make upfront and milestone payments up to $795 million to Biohaven related to the KV7 platform. Tiered royalties would add more proceeds on top of that. Biohaven is also receiving $400 million in cash considerations, and potentially another $150 million in development and regulatory milestone payments.

“We see opakalim as a highly complementary addition to our epilepsy portfolio,” SK Biopharmaceuticals President and CEO Donghoon Lee said. “[Its] mechanism and tolerability profile could extend our ability to serve patients who may benefit from additional treatment options. We look forward to a close, collaborative partnership with the Biohaven team.”

Topline results from the Phase II/III opakalim study are due in the second half of 2026. Biohaven and SK Pharmaceuticals will then advance the candidate through development and expected FDA approval.