Tue-02-10-2012, 12:32 PM
Janssen Biotech, Inc. (“Janssen”) announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”) for the worldwide development and commercialization, except in Japan, of ASP015K, an oral, small molecule Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor. ASP015K is currently in Phase 2b development as a once-daily oral treatment for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), following a successful Phase 2a study demonstrating its potential in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
“Janssen has a heritage of innovation and delivering transformative medicines to address unmet needs in immunologic diseases,” said Susan Dillon, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Immunology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “We are committed to expanding the portfolio of new treatments for patients with serious immune-mediated diseases and are excited to add Astellas’ ASP015K to our pipeline.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize ASP015K, except in Japan, as an oral treatment for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. In addition to an upfront payment, Janssen and Astellas have agreed to future milestone and royalty payments if certain development and commercialization milestones are achieved. Astellas will be responsible for completing the ongoing Phase 2b studies. Janssen will be responsible for all other development, clinical and regulatory filing activities in its territories. Astellas will continue development and commercialization of ASP015K in Japan.
About ASP015K
ASP105K is an oral, small molecule Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which blocks critical components of signaling mechanisms used by a number of inflammatory cytokines, including those that are believed to be important to mediating disease in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. ASP015K is currently in Phase 2b studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral dosing in the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA. A Phase 2a study in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis has been completed.
Source: janssenbiotech.com
“Janssen has a heritage of innovation and delivering transformative medicines to address unmet needs in immunologic diseases,” said Susan Dillon, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Immunology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “We are committed to expanding the portfolio of new treatments for patients with serious immune-mediated diseases and are excited to add Astellas’ ASP015K to our pipeline.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize ASP015K, except in Japan, as an oral treatment for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. In addition to an upfront payment, Janssen and Astellas have agreed to future milestone and royalty payments if certain development and commercialization milestones are achieved. Astellas will be responsible for completing the ongoing Phase 2b studies. Janssen will be responsible for all other development, clinical and regulatory filing activities in its territories. Astellas will continue development and commercialization of ASP015K in Japan.
About ASP015K
ASP105K is an oral, small molecule Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which blocks critical components of signaling mechanisms used by a number of inflammatory cytokines, including those that are believed to be important to mediating disease in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. ASP015K is currently in Phase 2b studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral dosing in the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA. A Phase 2a study in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis has been completed.
Source: janssenbiotech.com