Vifor Pharma out-licenses Veltassa in Japan

Swiss drugmaker Vifor Pharma (VTX: VIFN) has out-licensed rights to develop and commercialize its Veltassa (patiromer), a treatment for hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium levels), in the Japanese market to local firm Zeria Pharmaceuticals (TYO: 4559).

Under the terms of the agreement, Zeria will have the exclusive right to develop Veltassa for the Japanese market and, once marketing authorization has been granted, to commercialize it in Japan. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Zeria shares gained 4.95% to 2,119 yen, while Vifor edged up 1.49% to 146.50 Swiss francs.

The collaboration with Zeria represents an important step in Vifor Pharma's promise to make Veltassa available to patients worldwide. Having Veltassa and Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) commercialized through the same partner represents a substantive step for Vifor Pharma in its goal towards expanding its cardio-renal network and becoming the global leader in cardio-renal therapies, the company stated.