Allergan and Sanwa sign eye drug deal

Posurdex is an investigational, bioerodable, extended release implant that delivers dexamethasone to the targeted disease site at the back of the eye for the treatment of macular edema.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanwa will be responsible for the development and commercialization of Posurdex in Japan and will incur associated costs. Sanwa will pay Allergan a royalty based on net sales of Posurdex in Japan, make development and commercialization milestone payments and reimburse Allergan for certain expenses associated with Allergan’s continuing conduct of Posurdex phase III pivotal studies outside of Japan.

Allergan and Sanwa will work collaboratively on the clinical development of Posurdex, as well as overall product strategy and management.

“We are very pleased to be collaborating with Allergan on the development and marketing of Posurdex in Japan,” commented Kazuo Yamamoto, president of Sanwa. “We hope this product will improve the quality of life of many patients with retinal disease that existing therapies do not treat. We will use our best efforts to bring this innovative product to patients as quickly as possible.”

Macular edema is a sight-threatening condition that results from the swelling of the central retina, or macula, and is associated with diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and uveitis.

Allergan is currently conducting two phase III clinical programs worldwide with Posurdex focusing on macular edema associated with diabetes and other conditions. In Japan, Sanwa is expected to begin phase I/II development with Posurdex later this year.