Zeria Pharma licenses Ferinject for Japan

Vifor Pharma, a part of Switzerland-based Galenica Group (SIX: GALN) says it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Japan’s Zeria Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4559) for the development and commercialization of Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in Japan.

Under the terms of the agreement, financial details of which were not disclosed, Zeria Pharmaceutical will be responsible for all development and commercialization activities for Ferinject in Japan.

Iron deficiency is a serious complication of many clinical conditions such as chronic heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic kidney disease and cancer, and it is of particular concern for women and the elderly people in Japan where the incidence can be as high as 25%. As many as 18 million people in Japan exhibit signs of anemia mainly due to iron deficiency and would benefit from iron replacement therapies.