Current and planned use for Protein licensed from SCIO...
Kaken to Begin Sales of Skin Regenerative Drug
By Ryoko Imaizumi
Tokyo, April 3 (Bloomberg) -- Kaken Pharmaceutical Co. said it plans to begin
Japanese sales later this year of a drug that helps the process of skin
regeneration.
The drug, called Fiblast Spray, will be the first product in Japan to treat
disease by aiding tissue regeneration, said Kuniaki Tsubata, a Kaken
spokesman. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare gave the drug initial
approval last month. Final approval is expected soon, he said.
Kaken shares rose 84 yen, or 8.7 percent, to 1,049 after the Nihon Keizai
newspaper said sales would begin as early as this summer. That's the highest
closing price since 1,050 yen on May 9, 1995.
Fiblast Spray is based on a genetically engineered protein called fibroblast
growth factor that accelerates regeneration of skin cells and blood vessels.
Kaken has a license to the protein production technique from Sunnyvale,
California-based Scios Inc. The license covers Japan and some other Asian
countries.
Kaken plans to use the technique to develop drugs for treating fractured bones
and gums damaged by diseases such as pyorrhea. The company plans to file
by 2007 application with the ministry to use the drug for those treatments. |
