Dravet syndrome is a rare, childhood-onset epilepsy marked by frequent debilitating seizures, lifelong developmental and motor impairments, and an increased risk of death.

Tevard will use its two tRNA-based discovery platforms focused on messenger RNA (mRNA) stabilization and nonsense codon suppression to discover and advance drug candidates for Dravet syndrome and other genetic epilepsies. Zogenix will develop the candidates through preclinical studies and clinical development, as well as be responsible for worldwide commercialization.

Zogenix will fund the collaboration and Tevard will receive an initial collaboration payment of $10 million, of which approximately $5 million has already been paid. Tevard will also receive $5 million in the form of a convertible note and is eligible to receive additional development, regulatory, and commercial-related milestone payments ranging from $70 million to $100 million for each program. The firm is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on future net global sales for any commercial products resulting from the collaboration.