Dyax licenses DX-88 (ecallantide) to CMIC in Japan in $106 million deal

USA-based Dyax Corp (Nasdaq: DYAX) has entered into an agreement with Japanese firm CMIC Co (TSE: CMIC) announced to develop and commercialize subcutaneous DX-88 (ecallantide) for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and other angioedema indications in Japan.

DX-88 has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and is marketed as Kalbitor (ecallantide) for the treatment of acute attacks of HAE in patients aged 16 and older. Earlier this year, the drug was licensed to Italy’s Sigma Tau for up to $105 million (The Pharma Letter June 22).

Under the terms of the Japanese deal, Dyax will receive $4 million upfront and $102 million in future development and sales milestones for DX-88 in HAE and other angioedema indications. CMIC is solely responsible for all costs associated with development, regulatory activities and commercialization of DX-88 for all angioedema indications in Japan.