BRIEF—AstraZeneca expands rights to Fasenra in Asia

Japan’s Kyowa Hakko Kirin and London-listed AstraZeneca have expanded an existing licensing agreement, giving the latter exclusive rights to Fasenra (benralizumab) for all current and future indications in Asia.

AstraZeneca will now also take on development, sales and marketing in 14 Asian countries and regions, including in Japan.

Until now, the firm has had rights only for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma indications.

Kyowa Hakko Kirin will receive an up-front payment, plus money for regulatory and commercial milestones.