In Japan, AstraZeneca to co-promote denosumab with Daiichi; Sosei debuts NorLevo

Anglo-Swedish drug major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) today announced a co-promotion agreement in Japan with locally based Daiichi Sankyo (TSO: 4568) for denosumab, a drug for the treatment of bone disorders stemming from bone metastasis. The drug was originated by US biotech giant Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN); it is already approved in the USA and recently gained backing for clearance in Europe under the trade name Xgeva (The Pharma Letter March 23). Financial terms of this deal are not disclosed.

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo will co-promote denosumab after it is approved for use in Japan. Bone metastasis is one of the most frequent causes of pain for cancer patients which can cause bone fractures and reduces ability to maintain normal quality of life including day-to-day activities. The drug, with its novel mode of action and targeted delivery via a monthly subcutaneous injection, represents a new treatment option in Japan for the management of bone metastasis across a broad range of cancer types, the UK-based company said.

In Japan, were historically new drug approvals have lagged those of other major markets such as the USA and Europe, Daiichi Sankyo acquired denosumab rights in 2007 from Amgen. The company filed a Japanese New Drug Application in August 2010.