Pfizer, Takeda sign co-promotion agreements for RA drugs in Japan

They have also signed a new co-promotion agreement for the investigational drug tofacitinib, formerly known as tasocitinib, which is being studied for multiple inflammatory conditions, including RA, in Japan.

Enbrel is said to bind with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha – a cytokine), inhibiting its activity, and with lymphotoxin alpha (another cytokine), and reduces RA inflammation.

Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that is being investigated as a targeted immunomodulator in RA, psoriasis and other indications.

Pfizer will receive a milestone payment from Takeda at the launch of tofacitinib and Takeda will receive a percentage of sales (based on certain conditions specified in the contract) as a co-promotion fee from Pfizer.