Actelion and Nippon Shinyaku sign agreement on novel compound

Actelion has signed a license agreement with Nippon Shinyaku on a novel orally-administered PG12 receptor agonist known as NS-304 used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The compound was originally discovered and made by Nippon Shinyaku and this agreement is based on a previous binding letter of intent signed by both companies.

Under the terms of the deal, Actelion will pay Nippon Shinyaku an initial upfront sum, in addition to further milestone payments based on developmental progress and sales achievements, while Nippon Shinyaku will also receive royalties on any future sales.

Nippon Shinyaku will also be able to explore the possibility of co-developing a compound in Japan that is being developed globally by Actelion.

“In order to promptly bring NS-304 to the market of PAH and other possible indications, Actelion will take over the phase IIa clinical study being conducted by Nippon Shinyaku in Europe and be responsible for global development and commercialisation of NS-304 outside Japan,” the company said.

Both firms will undertake development and commercialisation of the compound in Japan.

In February 2008, president of Nippon Shinyaku Shigenobu Maekawa said that this partnership would offer pulmonary arterial hypertension patients a new and significant treatment option.