Array BioPharma and Asahi Kasei Team Up

Array BioPharma and Asahi Kasei Pharma have formed a collaboration to develop and commercialize select Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitors, including Array-invented ARRY-954, for pain, inflammation and other non-cancer indications. Array retains the right for all compounds for all indications outside of Asia. Within Asia, Array retains the right to cancer indications for all compounds, excluding those compounds being developed by Asahi Kasei Pharma, including ARRY-954.

Array will receive an upfront payment of $12 million, is entitled to receive up to $64 million if certain development and commercialization milestones are achieved, and is eligible for up double-digit royalties. Asahi Kasei Pharma will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize products in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China for pain, inflammation and other non-cancer indications. 

“We are excited to partner our TrkA for inflammation/pain program with Asahi Kasei Pharma,” said Ron Squarer, chief executive officer, Array BioPharma. “Asahi Kasei Pharma is committed to advancing the program into clinical development which will unlock its potential future value.”

Asahi Kasei Pharma has clinical development experience in the pain field, particularly in the field of musculoskeletal pain. The company promotes Elcitonin for pain with osteoporosis and was previously involved in co-promoting the anti-inflammatory drug Voltaren with Novartis in Japan.