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news.Roche has signed a licensing agreement with Toyama Chemical for global research, development and commercialization of novel oral rheumatoid arthritis agent, T-5224, to block the progressive destruction of joint and bone.
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The companies claim that by inhibiting a specific inflammatory process, T-5224 has the potential to block signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as well as the progressive destruction of joint and bone. T-5224 is currently in phase I development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Toyama Chemical has granted Roche exclusive rights to research, develop, and sell T-5224 worldwide, excluding Japan, where Toyama Chemical will retain exclusive rights. The agreement also encompasses the joint R&D of back-up candidates to T-5224.
Toyama Chemical will receive upfront payments and milestone payments totalling up to $370 million US dollars, based on certain development and commercial milestones. If approved for marketing, Toyama Chemical will receive royalties based on the net sales of T-5224 by Roche.
“The agent T-5224 has the potential to inhibit a key trigger of rheumatoid arthritis and has already shown promising pharmacological efficacy and safety in early clinical studies,” said Jean-Jacques Garaud, head of Roche pharma development.
“By entering into a R&D collaboration with Roche, we are able to increase Toyama's potential for novel drug development in the anti-inflammatory field, which is a field of concentration for Toyama Chemical,” said Masuji Sugata, president of Toyama Chemical.