Roche, PTC Therapeutics, Inc. and the SMA Foundation, announced on 29th November a licensing agreement for PTC's Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) programme. SMA is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness. One in every 10,000 children born is affected with the disorder, which currently has no effective treatment. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche gains an exclusive worldwide license to PTC's SMA programme, which includes three compounds currently in preclinical development, as well as potential back-up compounds. PTC receives USD30 million as an upfront payment, up to USD460 million upon successful completion of certain development and commercialization milestones, and up to double-digit royalties on commercial sales. Development will be overseen by a joint steering committee comprised of members from Roche, PTC and the SMA Foundation.