Eisai expands deal with Biogen; re-files Fycompa with G-BA; news on Zebinix

Japanese drug major Eisai (TYO: 4523) has exercised its option to jointly develop and commercialize its clinical candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with US biotech firm Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB) in Japan.

The option was included as part of Eisai's collaboration agreement with Biogen Idec, which was announced in March 2014. Based on the agreement, Eisai and Biogen Idec will co-develop Eisai's investigational next generation AD treatment candidates E2609, a BACE inhibitor, and BAN2401, an anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody, in major markets, such as the United States, the European Union and now Japan.

The companies will also co-promote the products following marketing approval. Both companies will share overall costs, including research and development expenses incurred in Japan. Eisai will book all sales for E2609 and BAN2401 following marketing approval and launch, and profits will be shared between the companies. Also, in accordance with the execution of this option, Eisai will receive from Biogen Idec an additional one-time payment as well as the right to receive additional development milestone payments.