BRIEF—Japanese collaboration to develop CNS candidate

Japanese firms Sumitomo Dainippon and JCR Pharmaceuticals have agreed a licensing deal related to JCR's J-Brain Cargo blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration technology.

The companies will work together to develop a therapeutic agent for specified central nervous system diseases.

Under the terms of the deal, Sumitomo retains the exclusive rights to research, develop, and market the candidate in Japan and North America, in return for which the firm will pay about $35 million including an upfront payment and milestones.

Post-launch, Sumitomo will also pay royalties on sales plus milestone payments. Sumitomo also receives option rights to additional indications and for commercialization rights in China.