UCB and Otsuka to co-promote Keppra and Cimzia in Japan

UCB and Otsuka will co-promote the anti-epileptic drug (AED), Keppra (levetiracetam) for the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures and the anti-TNF alpha drug, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. UCB and Otsuka will also co-develop and co-promote Keppra and Cimzia in other indications.

UCB will join Otsuka in co-promoting the anti-platelet agent Pletaal (cilostazol) to selected accounts for a limited period. UCB and Otsuka have agreed on economic terms for Japan under which UCB receives up to E113 million upfront and milestone payments as well as funding for the clinical development of Keppra and Cimzia.

The companies plan to submit filing dossiers for Keppra in epilepsy and Cimzia in Crohn’s disease to the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency by early 2009.

Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB, said: “This relationship will ensure that together we can successfully launch and maximize the potential of Keppra and Cimzia in Japan and accelerate market access for the benefit of patients in Japan.”