 "DRL, Japan's Eisai ink licensing pact for anti-cancer agent")
Eisai will be responsible for the development and marketing of E7777 in Japan and Asia, while Dr Reddy's holds the option for rights to develop and market the agent in India. A phase 2 clinical study of the agent in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma or peripheral T-cell lymphoma is currently underway in Japan. Preparations are simultaneously in progress for a phase 3 clinical study of the agent in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in the US as well, according to the company.
In exchange of these rights, Eisai will receive milestone payments in line with obtaining marketing approval and the achievement of agreed upon sales targets. Through this agreement, the two companies aim to accelerate development and maximise the value of E7777. Dr Reddy's, however, did not disclose the value of the agreed milestone payments.
Raghav Chari, executive vice president, proprietary products group of Dr Reddy's Laboratories, said: "The collaboration between Dr Reddy's and Eisai is a tremendous win-win. E7777 has significant potential as an important component of systemic therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma(CTCL). This therapy represents an extension of our current efforts in the dermatology space to an important segment of skin-related cancers."
Eisai chief product creation officer Terushige said: " This agreement aligns with Eisai's drive to contribute to patients in our focused field of oncology as quickly as possible. Eisai and Dr Reddy's will conduct development in their respective territories, and by working to accelerate and maximise contribution to patients, we hope to launch treatments that will fulfill the diverse needs of, and bring about benefits for, patients with cancer and their families."
On Monday, Dr Reddy's announced a similar licensing deal with US-based XenoPort for the latter's clinical stage oral new chemical entity, XP23829, a potential treatment for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and also a potential treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) for a consideration of over Rs 3,200 crore in up-front and various milestone payment commitments.
The Eisai's E7777 is a fusion protein that combines the interleukin-2(IL-2) receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent specifically binds to IL-2 receptors on the cell surface, causing diphtheria toxins that have entered to inhibit protein synthesis.
