Print(PDF/24KB) Apr. 27, 2011 Licensing

Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma and Maruho Enter into a License Agreement for a Novel Topical Analgesic Drug

Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Masayo Tada; hereinafter called "DSP") and Maruho Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Koichi Takagi; hereinafter called "Maruho") announced today that the two companies have entered into a worldwide exclusive license agreement under which Maruho will develop, manufacture and commercialize a topical product based on the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1) agonist that DSP has invented as a candidate compound for the novel analgesic drug (the "Licensed Product"). DSP retains the right of co-promotion in the U.S. and Europe.

Under the terms of the agreement, Maruho will make an upfront payment and milestone payments in accordance with the progress of the development. After commercialization, Maruho will pay royalty to DSP based on the net sales of the product.

TRPV1 is a member of ion channel receptor families that is present at the ending of a sensory nerve that transmits pain signals. TRPV1 agonist is known to produce analgesia when activated, by desensitizing the sensory nerve. Since the Licensed Product produces analgesia by activating TRPV1, it is expected to show effects on neuropathic pain and other symptoms.

The central nervous system field is designated as a key therapeutic area of DSP's research and development. The compound was discovered in the course of DSP's efforts to treat neuropathic pain, and with the aim to develop it as a topical product, DSP has been seeking a business partner who has a strong presence in topical product development.

Maruho is a pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatological medications and topical products with a very strong presence in the Japanese dermatological market. Maruho will engage in pre-clinical studies and the ensuing development steps for eventual market launch of the Licensed Product.

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