Teijin inks exclusive deal with Sigma-Tau for EZN-2279 in Japan

Japanese firm Teijin (TYO: 3401) has entered into an agreement with the UK subsidiary of privately-owned Italian drugmaker Sigma-Tau, for exclusive development and distribution rights in Japan to EZN-2279, a therapeutic agent for adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency in patients with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID).

EZN-2279, an injectable recombinant ADA, suppresses a reduction in the number of lymphocytes by replacing ADA. Sigma-Tau Pharma is currently engaged in Phase III development of EZN-2279 in the USA.

Hiroshi Uno, president of Teijin Pharma, the core company of the Teijin Group's medical and pharmaceutical business, said: “Teijin Pharma is scheduled to commence Phase III clinical trials in Japan within the current fiscal year ending in March 2015. Ultimately, we hope to contribute to the quality of life for patients with ADA deficiency by providing them with the option of Japan’s first ADA enzyme replacement therapy.”