Maruho and Alchemedicine ink exclusive license agreement

Japanese drugmaker Maruho has entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize Alchemedicine's aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activator following Maruho's exercise of the option right included in the exclusive negotiation and evaluation agreement that had already been executed between the companies.

Under the terms of the license agreement, Alchemedicine grants Maruho exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the compound in designated disease areas. Maruho will pay Alchemedicine an upfront payment and potential development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties based on sales. The license agreement includes backup compounds possessed by Alchemedicine that selectively activate ALDH2.

ALDH2 is a mitochondrial enzyme, which is generally known to detoxify acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that is produced after alcohol consumption. As ALDH2 also acts on various substances other than acetaldehyde, the compound is expected to have potential for use in a wide range of indications.