Solasia Pharma and Meiji Seika Pharma collaborate on darinaparsin

Privately-held Solasia Pharma and fellow Japanese drugmaker Meiji Seika Pharma (TYO: 2202) have entered into a license agreement for the development and commercialization of darinaparsin (intravenous formulation) in Japan.

Solasia is currently completing a Phase I study of darinaparsin in Japan and South Korea to treat patients with relapsed and refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Solasia obtained an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize darinaparsin from the USA’s Ziopharm Oncology (Nasdaq: ZIOP), and the company is currently conducting clinical trials in Japan and other parts of Asia.

Under the terms of the agreement, Solasia will continue to develop darinaparsin for patients with relapsed and refractory PTCL, conduct Phase II Pan-Asian study and, on completion, seek regulatory approval in Japan. Meiji will then commercialize, distribute and promote darinaparsin for PTCL in Japan. In addition, Meiji also obtained the right to develop and commercialize darinaparsin for indications other than relapsed and refractory PTCL in Japan, the option to manufacture intravenous formulation of darinaparsin and a right of first negotiation relating to the formulations other than the intravenous formulation of darinaparsin.