Roche / Chugai / MRA
BASEL -(Dow Jones)- Swiss pharmaceuticals company Roche Holding AG Monday said it will co-develop and co-promote a potential rheumatoid arthritis drug with its Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd unit.
MRA is the first drug to be in-licensed by Roche from Chugai since the alliance between Roche and Chugai was completed in October 2002. Under this alliance, Roche has the first refusal right to license-in all products outside Japan and South Korea for which Chugai seeks a partner.
Roche will co-develop MRA and promote it in all countries except Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The parties will co-promote in the UK, France and Germany. Chugai reserves an opt-in right to co-promote in the USA, Italy and Spain. Under the terms of the agreement, Chugai and Roche will establish a joint development office in the UK to govern all activities with regard to the development of MRA.
Recent data show that MRA, having completed Phase II clinical development, is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. MRA complements and strengthens Roche's efforts in this disease area.
"We are committed to achieving speedy implementation of the MRA development plans in collaboration with Roche," said Osamu Nagayama, Chairman of Chugai.
"This alliance will benefit all parties involved; while Chugai brings in a very promising drug, Roche can offer its development experience and its marketing strength around the world," said Franz Humer, Chairman and CEO of Roche.
MRA is a monoclonal antibody and will provide a new and effective form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis with its new mechanism of action. Chugai has completed Phase II studies in Japan and Europe, and is preparing to enter Phase III clinical studies. Other indications, such as Castleman's disease, Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis, Crohn's diseases and multiple myeloma are also in clinical development. MRA is being developed in collaboration with Osaka University.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects almost 6 million people around the world.
Company Web site: roche.com |
