ASKA and Takeda Enter into Licensing Agreement for Relugolix in Women's Health Indications

-Takeda out-license to ASKA Pharmaceutical to maximize product value-

Osaka and Tokyo Japan, May 31, 2018 – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda; TSE: 4502) and ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (ASKA) announced today that they entered inter a licensing agreement to grant ASKA exclusive commercialization right for uterine fibroids and exclusive development and commercialization rights for endometriosis for Japan to maximize the product value of Takeda-owned relugolix (generic name, development code: TAK-385).

Relugolix is being developed as a gonadotropin-releasing receptor antagonist to be taken orally once daily against uterine fibroids, endometriosis and prostate cancer. Until now, Takeda retained commercial rights for relugolix in Japan*, and in February of this year, submitted a new drug application to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for uterine fibroids. Under this agreement, no right of relugolix for prostate cancer treatment in Japan has been granted to ASKA.

Based on this agreement, Takeda will receive upfront payment for granting the exclusive commercialization right for uterine fibroids and the exclusive development and commercialization rights for endometriosis in Japan as well as holding the right to receive royalties on sales. Further details regarding the agreement are not disclosed.

*Takeda holds commercial rights in Japan and parts of Asia. The rights in other regions are held by biopharmaceutical company Myovant Sciences Ltd., formed by Takeda and Roivant Sciences Ltd. in June 2016.


About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and neuroscience therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. Innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as Takeda’s presence in emerging markets, are currently fueling the growth of Takeda. Approximately 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with Takeda’s partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com/newsroom/.

About ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“ASKA”) is a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company focused on these fields: obstetrics and gynecology and urology. Since its foundation in 1920, ASKA has committed to supply products related to healthcare in the fields and enhance the product line-up.
For further information visit http://www.aska-pharma.co.jp/english/index.html

 

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Media Contacts
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Ryoko Omichi
Tel: +81-3-3278-2665
Email: [email protected]

ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Planning Department
Tel: +81-3-5484-8366
Email: [email protected]