Current Partners

The following list of partners represents a selection of our current collaborations. Announcements of additional collaborations are located in the News section of this website at http://www.asahikasei-pharma.co.jp/en/news/.

In-Licensing

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum

In September 2023, through its agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum Japan, Asahi Kasei Pharma obtains exclusive distribution rights in Japan for Empaveli® (pegcetacoplan), a complement C3 inhibitor for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and Doptelet® (avatrombopag maleate), an agent for improving thrombocytopenia associated with chronic liver disease. Doptelet® was launched in Japan in June 2023 and Empaveli® was launched in Japan in September 2023

Alchemedicine, Inc.

In June 2022, Alchemedicine, Inc and Asahi Kasei Pharma have entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize Alchemedicine’s selective Endothelin A receptor antagonist. Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma has acquired worldwide exclusive rights to develop and commercialize selective Endothelin A receptor antagonist from Alchemedicine.

VectivBio AG, an Ironwood Pharmaceuticals subsidiary

In March 2022, Asahi Kasei Pharma was granted the exclusive rights in Japan to develop and commercialize apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting GLP-2 analog peptide. Apraglutide is currently being developed for the treatment of short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF), and a clinical trial targeting patients with gastrointestinal symptoms caused by steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) is scheduled as well.

AgNovos Bioscience

In September 2021, Asahi Kasei Pharma entered into an exclusive option agreement with AgNovos for the commercialization in Japan of AGN1 LOEP Hip Kit, a medical device under development by AgNovos. The AGN1 LOEP Hip Kit enables orthopedic surgeons to perform a minimally invasive procedure to deliver a proprietary resorbable bone regenerative material to treat osteoporotic femurs.

SBI Biotech Co., Ltd.

In March 2020, SBI Biotech Co., Ltd. granted Asahi Kasei Pharma the exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and market AK1910 (SBI-3150), which is currently in the pre-clinical stage as a treatment for various autoimmune diseases. AK1910 (SBI-3150) is a monoclonal antibody that recognizes phospholipase D family member 4 (PLD4), which is specifically expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and activated B-cells, leading to immune suppression.

Sanofi K.K.

PLAQUENIL®
In July 2021, Sanofi and Asahi Kasei Pharma entered into a license agreement for the marketing of Plaquenil® (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) for the treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Japan. The marketing business of Plaquenil® was transferred from Sanofi to Asahi Kasei Pharma on October 1, 2021.

KEVZARA®
In December 2017, Sanofi and Asahi Kasei Pharma entered into a license agreement for the marketing of Kevzara®, a human anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor monoclonal antibody, for rheumatoid arthritis in Japan. Kevzara® was launched in Japan in February 2018.

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

In September 2016, Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil granted Asahi Kasei Pharma exclusive rights in Japan to develop and commercialize Cresemba® (isavuconazonium sulfate) for invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Cresemba® was launched in Japan in April 2023.

Array BioPharma Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc.

In March 2016, Asahi Kasei Pharma and Array BioPharma entered into a license agreement to develop and commercialize select tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitors. Under the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma is currently developing AK1830 (ARRY-954) for pain, inflammation, and other non-cancer indications. Asahi Kasei Pharma has rights to develop and exclusively commercialize products in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China for pain, inflammation, and other non-cancer indications.

PeptiDream Inc.

In March 2016, Asahi Kasei Pharma entered into a joint R&D agreement with PeptiDream for the discovery and development of nonstandard peptides against multiple drug target molecules using PeptiDream's proprietary Peptide Discovery Platform System, which enables the rapid artificial generation of nonstandard peptide libraries and the efficient identification of nonstandard peptides.

RaQualia Pharma Inc.

Under a research collaboration agreement started in November 2013, Asahi Kasei Pharma and RaQualia Pharma had engaged in research to discover candidate compounds against P2X7 receptor for pain treatment. In March 2018, Asahi Kasei Pharma obtained exclusive rights for the worldwide development, manufacture, and sale of P2X7 receptor antagonist, and is responsible for the development of this program.

Novartis Pharma AG

RECLAST®
In June 2010, Novartis Pharma granted Asahi Kasei Pharma exclusive rights in Japan to develop and market the bisphosphonate agent Reclast® (zoledronic acid) for the treatment of osteoporosis. Reclast® was launched in Japan in November 2016.

FAMVIR®
Pursuant to an agreement restated in 2008, Asahi Kasei Pharma was granted rights in Japan to distribute the anti-herpes virus drug Famvir® (famciclovir) for the indications of herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex. Famvir® was launched in Japan for herpes zoster in July 2008 and approved for herpes simplex in February 2013. Famvir® is marketed in Japan by Maruho Co., Ltd.

Out-Licensing

Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited

BREDININ™
In June 2021, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) exclusive rights in Mainland China for the commercialization of Bredinin™ (mizoribine). Bredinin™ was first launched in Mainland China in 2000 for the indication of suppression of rejection reaction in renal transplantation.

Eli Lilly and Company

LY3857210
In January 2021, Asahi Kasei Pharma and Lilly entered a license agreement whereby Lilly acquired the exclusive rights for LY3857210 from Asahi Kasei Pharma. LY3857210 is an orally bioavailable P2X7 receptor antagonist that was discovered under a research collaboration with RaQualia Pharma. Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly is responsible for global development and regulatory activities for LY3857210. Asahi Kasei Pharma retains the right to promote LY3857210 in Japan and China (including Hong Kong and Macau).

Hong Kong Winhealth Pharma Group Co. Limited

FLIVAS™
In August 2020, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted Winhealth Pharma exclusive rights in Mainland China for the commercialization of Flivas™ (naftopidil) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flivas™ was launched in Mainland China in June 2021.

CMS Bridging Limited

ELCITONIN™
In December 2019, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted CMS Bridging Limited exclusive rights in Mainland China for the commercialization of Elcitonin™ (elcatonin). Elcitonin™ was launched in Mainland China in 1993 for the treatment of pain caused by osteoporosis.

Woolsey Pharmaceuticals

ERIL™
In June 2019, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted Woolsey Pharmaceuticals exclusive rights to develop and commercialize any formulations (other than ophthalmic and injectable forms) of fasudil hydrochloride hydrate, a rho-kinase inhibitor, in the USA, Europe, and all other territories outside of Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Asahi Kasei Pharma hopes that its license agreement with Woolsey will enable fasudil to contribute to the treatment of rare neurodegenerative diseases for the benefit of more patients around the world.

YaoPharma Co.,Ltd.

EXACIN™
In August 2018, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted YaoPharma exclusive rights in Mainland China for the commercialization of Exacin™ (isepamicin). Exacin™ was launched in Mainland China in 1996 for treatment of bacterial infections.

Dong-A ST Co., Ltd.

TERIBONE™
In December 2014, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted Dong-A ST exclusive rights in Korea for the development and sale of Teribone™ (teriparatide acetate) for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of bone fracture. Teribone™ was launched in Korea in March 2016.

FLIVAS™
In April 2009, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted Dong-A ST exclusive rights in Korea for the development and sale of Flivas™ (naftopidil) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flivas™ was launched in Korea in January 2012.

Maruho Co., Ltd.

FAMVIR®
In August 2007, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted exclusive sublicense rights in Japan for the sale of the anti-herpes virus drug Famvir® (famciclovir). Famvir® was launched in Japan in July 2008.

Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation

BREDININ™
In January 1997, Asahi Kasei Pharma granted Chong Kun Dang exclusive rights in Korea for the development and sale of Bredinin™ (mizoribine). Bredinin™ was launched in Korea in May 1995. Bredinin is approved in Korea for the treatment of prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney allogenic transplants, lupus nephritis, and chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

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