In an attempt to expand its neurology pipeline, Roche has signed an agreement with long-standing partner, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, for two novel RNA-targeted programmes for Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Through the deal, which involves a US$60 M upfront payment, the companies will leverage Ionis’ expertise in RNA-targeted therapeutics, and Roche’s capabilities in the development and commercialisation of neurology treatments. The deal comes after Roche’s lead Alzheimer’s candidate, gantenerumab, failed to meet its primary endpoints in the Phase III GRADUATE studies.