Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of Vertex’s povetacicept in Japan and South Korea. Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines with best-in-class potential being studied for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) and other B cell-mediated diseases.
Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex will receive an upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties. Ono will utilize its extensive development expertise to help advance Vertex’s clinical trials for povetacicept and will be responsible for obtaining marketing authorizations in Japan and South Korea. Following approval, Ono will be solely responsible for commercializing povetacicept in these regions. The agreement includes povetacicept for both IgAN and pMN, with the potential to add other indications.
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“Ono is a proven leader in Japan and South Korea, bringing established local relationships, infrastructure and nephrology expertise that make them a perfect partner for Vertex as we look to deliver povetacicept to the thousands of potential patients in these countries,” said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex. “We are very pleased to partner with Ono and look forward to close collaboration as we continue to advance this potentially best-in-class treatment for IgAN, pMN and other serious B cell-mediated diseases.”
“Vertex has a strong track record of developing innovative therapies for serious diseases. Through this strategic partnership, we can strengthen our late-stage pipeline in the immunology field, which is a key focus area for Ono,” said Toichi Takino, Representative Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ono. “We look forward to collaborating with Vertex to provide this new therapeutic option for patients with IgAN and other autoimmune diseases in Japan and South Korea, and to maximize the value of this treatment.”
Source: Businesswire