Aquinox and Astellas Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Rosiptor in the Asia-Pacific Region Including Japan

Aquinox Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:AQXP) a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company discovering and developing novel drug candidates to treat inflammation, inflammatory pain, and blood cancers, and Astellas Pharma (TSE:4503) today announced an exclusive license agreement for Japan and certain other countries in the Asia-Pacific region for Astellas to develop and commercialize rosiptor, Aquinox’s lead drug candidate, a first-in-class, once-daily oral treatment currently in Phase 3 clinical development for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) in North America and Europe.

As quoted in the press release:

Under the Agreement, Astellas will have the exclusive right to research, develop, and commercialize rosiptor for all human diseases and conditions in Japan and additional countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including major markets such as South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, but excluding China and India.

“Astellas has a deep appreciation for the unmet need and potential market opportunity in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome,” said David Main, President and CEO of Aquinox. “We believe this partnership will accelerate rosiptor’s development in the Asia-Pacific region and increase its commercial potential given Astellas’ strong presence and experience in these markets, leading commercial portfolio in urology, and track record of successfully introducing new treatments.”

Click here to read the full press release.