Kissei partners with Ajinomoto Pharma on ulcerative colitis candidates

Japanese drugmaker Kissei Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4547) has entered into a partnership with Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals, a unit of Japanese food and chemical giant Ajinomoto (TYO: 2802), for the joint development and marketing ofPhase III stage projects AJM300 α4 integrin antagonist and AJG511 budesonide rectal foam, both which Ajinomoto Pharma has been developing for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in Japan.

Kissei and Ajinomoto will jointly develop AJM300 and AJG511. Ajinomoto will file applications for manufacturing and marketing authorizations. Kissei and Ajinomoto will jointly market the products under the same brand names in Japan.

Product details

AJM300 is a novel α4 integrin antagonist that was originated by Ajinomoto. AJM300 has a new action mechanism of suppressing excessive invasion of lymphocytes into the inflamed site. The Phase II clinical study demonstrated for the first time in the world that an orally-available α4 integrin antagonist was effective in ulcerative colitis. AJM300 is expected to be a new choice that can contribute to those patients who have inadequate response to the existing treatments of 5-aminosalicylic acid preparations or steroids.

AJG511 is the first rectal foam product in Japan containing budesonide as active ingredient, to which Ajinomoto obtained license from Dr Falk Pharma of Germany. In addition, AJG511 is a foam type product that can reach the inflamed sitesof rectum and sigmoid colon by rectal administration, and has a characteristic feature of preventing leakage after administration. Budesonide rectal foam is already available on the market in Europe, and prescriptions have been increasing.AJG511 will be a new treatment option for ulcerative colitis in Japan.