Print（PDF/164KB） Oct. 25, 2023 Licensing

AlphaNavi Pharma Exercises Option Regarding DSP-3905 under Development for Neuropathic Pain

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; Representative Director, President and CEO: Hiroshi Nomura; “Sumitomo Pharma”) and AlphaNavi Pharma Inc. (Head Office: Suita, Osaka, Japan; President and CEO: Yoshihiro Oyamada; “AlphaNavi”) announced today that AlphaNavi exercised its option rights to obtain the worldwide exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize DSP-3905 (development code) currently under development for neuropathic pain by Sumitomo Pharma.
This exercise of the option is based on the license agreement concluded by the 2 companies in March 2019 for development, manufacturing, and commercialization of DSP-2230 (former development code; current development code: ANP-230) which Sumitomo Pharma had been developing for neuropathic pain.

AlphaNavi was established as a carve-out business venture from Sumitomo Pharma in January 2019 with the support of Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd.

DSP-3905 is an agent created by Sumitomo Pharma that selectively inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.7. Based on its inhibitory mode of action, the agent is expected to show a potent analgesic effect on the pain occurring when neurons get excessively excited. In addition, DSP-3905 has a high selectivity for Nav1.7 expressed in peripheral neuron and may not produce central nervous system or cardiovascular system side effects, which are present with the current drugs for neuropathic pain. A Phase 1 study for neuropathic pain in the U.S. has been completed.

Through the exercise of the option rights, Sumitomo Pharma grants AlphaNavi the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize DSP-3905 worldwide. In connection with this, Sumitomo Pharma will receive a consideration from AlphaNavi. It may also receive development milestone payments depending on progress in development of DSP-3905 and royalty payments depending on sales revenue.

AlphaNavi will devote itself to the development of DSP-3905 to deliver it as soon as possible as a new treatment option for patients for whom existing neuropathic pain remedies have been insufficiently effective.

Sumitomo Pharma expects that the development of DSP-3905 by AlphaNavi will contribute to the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs.

*Regarding the establishment of AlphaNavi and the licensing agreement for DSP-2230, please refer to Sumitomo Pharma’s announcement dated March 28, 2019 entitled “AlphaNavi Pharma Established as a Carve-out Business Venture from Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma with Investment.” AlphaNavi is currently conducting a Phase 2 study on ANP-230 for infantile episodic limb pain syndrome associated with sodium channel abnormalities and peripheral neuropathic pain.
https://www.sumitomo-pharma.com/news/20190328.html

Reference

Neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to or diseases of the somatosensory nervous system and it has been suggested that voltage-gated sodium channels are strongly involved in its development. Among chronic pain conditions, neuropathic pain is one of the most severe. In addition to the pain, it impairs activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) by causing sleep disorders, decreased vitality, depression, anxiety, dry mouth and decreased appetite. At present, no therapeutic drug is capable of alleviating neuropathic pain.

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.

The Sumitomo Pharma Group defines its Mission as “To broadly contribute to society through value creation based on innovative research and development activities for the betterment of healthcare and fuller lives of people worldwide.” The Group aims to fulfill this Mission by delivering innovative, effective pharmaceuticals and healthcare solutions not only to people in Japan but also all over the world through concerted efforts in research and development. Placing priority on diseases in the psychiatry & neurology, and oncology areas with high unmet medical needs, the Group aims to continuously create excellent pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine and cell therapies, and non-pharmaceutical solutions.
For further information, please visit https://www.sumitomo-pharma.com

AlphaNavi Pharma Inc.

AlphaNavi is has just established as a curve-out start-up company, which is focused on developing novel drugs to treat some kinds of pain. AlphaNavi’s goal is to deliver non-opioid pain therapies for people with treatment-resistant rare pain diseases.
For further information, please visit https://www.alphanavi.com.