Daiichi Sankyo, UCB Partner To Market Lacosamide For Epilepsy In Japan
By Cyndi Root
Daiichi Sankyo and UCB Biopharma have formed a partnership to market Lacosamide (brand name Vimpat), an epilepsy treatment, in Japan. The companies announced the deal in a press release, stating that UCB will manufacture and supply the product. Lacosamide is not yet approved in Japan for the treatment of epilepsy, but the companies are planning a regulatory submission in 2015, based on the strength of Phase 3 studies.
The agreement between Daiichi Sankyo and UCB is the result of a 15-year relationship, the companies stated. UCB will manufacture the drug and Daiichi Sankyo will manage distribution in the co-commercialization effort. Daiichi Sankyo has pledged €180 million ($225 million) to UCB, including an upfront payment and milestones. No further details were released.
Daiichi Sankyo Representative Director, President, and CEO George Nakayama, said, "Daiichi Sankyo expects to contribute to the management of the treatment of epilepsy and provide a new therapeutic option by adding Lacosamide to our product portfolio in the field of CNS in Japan.”
Lacosamide
Lacosamide is UCB’s anticonvulsant medication that works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Patients take tablets twice a day. Lacosamide launched in the EU in 2008 for the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in adult and adolescent (16-18 years) patients with epilepsy. The agent is now marketed in 44 countries, including the U.S.
In October 2014, UCB announced that a Phase 3 study in Japanese and Chinese patients with seizures met its primary efficacy endpoint. When compared to a placebo, Lacosamide significantly reduced partial-onset seizure frequency. UCB plans to submit the drug for approval in China as well as Japan.
UCB in Epilepsy
UCB Biopharma, a Belgian company, has been working in epilepsy drug development for 20 years. Its portfolio of Central Nervous System (CNS) drugs includes Keppra, Neupro, Metadate CD, Nootropil, and Xyrem. The company also has several immunology products. In addition to Daiichi Sankyo, UCB also partners with Dermira, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Sanofi, among others.