Biohaven And SK Biopharmaceuticals Enter Strategic Global Licensing Agreement; Stock Up
(RTTNews) – Biohaven Ltd. (BHVN) and SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced a global licensing and collaboration agreement for Biohaven’s Kv7 ion channel platform, led by Opakalim (BHV-7000), a next-generation candidate in development for epilepsy.
Under the terms, SK Biopharmaceuticals will provide upfront and milestone payments of up to $795 million, along with tiered royalties ranging from the mid-teens to low twenties on U.S. net sales of Opakalim.
Opakalim is a selective Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channel activator currently in Phase 2/3 development for focal epilepsy, with topline results from the RISE3 trial expected in the second half of 2026.
Described as a once-daily oral treatment without titration, it aims to reduce burdensome central nervous system side effects often associated with antiseizure medicines.
The agreement combines Biohaven’s wholly owned Kv7 platform with SK Biopharmaceuticals’ proven epilepsy commercial infrastructure, the same team that launched XCOPRI, an antiseizure drug for partial-onset seizures. This partnership provides Biohaven with non-dilutive capital, strengthens its balance sheet, and extends its runway to advance a differentiated pipeline.
Executives highlighted the potential of Opakalim to deliver meaningful efficacy without sedation or dizziness, positioning it as a novel treatment option for millions of patients with epilepsy if approved.
BHVN has traded between $7.48 and $18.57 over the past year. The stock closed Tuesday’s trading at $14.38, up 5.12%. In pre-market trading the stock is at $15.51, up 7.93%.
