EUSA Pharma enters first Japanese accord, granting Erwinase rights to Ohara Pharmaceutical

UK and USA-based specialty drugmaker EUSA Pharma  has granted the Japanese development and commercialization rights to its oncology therapy Erwinase (crisantaspase), L-asparaginase derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi, to Japan's Ohara Pharmaceutical.

The agreement represents the first product partnership EUSA has established in Japan. Under the terms of the dealt, Ohara will be responsible for any late-stage development required by the Japanese authorities, and will pay EUSA an upfront fee and royalties on future sales. Further financial details were not disclosed.

Erwinase, which is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in combination with other anti-neoplastic agents, is currently approved for use in Canada and in a number of countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and is undergoing registration procedures in several other territories.