Akebia links up with Japanese firm to commercialize vadadustat in USA

USA-based Akebia Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AKBA) has entered into a collaboration and license agreement in the USA for vadadustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilizer currently in development for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with Japanese drugmaker Otsuka (TYO: 4578) .

The collaboration provides capital for the global development program for vadadustat, and commercial resources for a US launch of vadadustat upon approval by the Food and Drug Administration. News of the deal saw Akebia’s share soar 22.75% to $10.25 by mid-morning trading.

“Vadadustat has the potential to significantly change the current standard of care for patients with anemia associated with CKD and addresses a high unmet need for those suffering with this disease,” said Tatsuo Higuchi, president and representative director of Otsuka, adding: “With Akebia’s renal expertise, this collaboration will enable Otsuka to expand our cardio-renal portfolio while demonstrating our commitment to delivering new treatment options to patients worldwide.”