Japanese pharma giant Takeda pharmaceuticals has entered into a strategic licensing deal with US’s Tesaro  for the development and commercialization of the cancer treatment niraparib. This agreement includes the development of niraparib for the treatment of all tumor types in Japan, and all tumor types excluding prostate cancer in South Korea, Taiwan, Russia and Australia. Niraparib, first marketed in the U.S. in April under the brand name ZEJULA™, has quickly become the most frequently prescribed PARP inhibitor in the U.S.    

The deal, worth $340 mn gives Takeda exclusive commercial rights for all potential future niraparib indications in Japan, and rights excluding prostate cancer in South Korea, Taiwan, Russia and Australia. Under the terms of this agreement, TESARO will receive a $100 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive additional milestone payments of up to $240 million related to the achievement of certain regulatory and commercial goals. 

With a view to beef up its pipeline and expand its oncology business Takeda has been wyeing new strategic acquisitions recently.  Mr Christophe Bianchi, President of Takeda Oncology, said, “"The niraparib development program addresses many of the most prevalent and devastating cancers worldwide. We must continue to make new treatments available to patients and, through research, further our knowledge into the full utility of this molecule. We are pleased to be collaborating with TESARO, a company we admire for its high caliber oncology expertise. This agreement represents another step in our goal of building Takeda's robust portfolio in solid tumors and, more importantly, our commitment to patients living with cancer who desperately want - and need - new, innovative therapies.” Takeda ha

Niraparib is not currently approved for use in Japan, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan or Australia. The once-daily dose of niraparib is the first and only PARP inhibitor that has received approval for the maintenance treatment of women with recurrent ovarian cancer, regardless of BRCA mutation or biomarker status.

Ms  Mary Lynne Hedley, Chief operating officer of Tesaro, said, “We are devoted to providing transformative therapies for people bravely facing cancer and this partnership will enable us to continue to globalize our mission. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan, Takeda is globally recognized as a leader in oncology. We are excited to work with their team to quickly advance niraparib for patients in need of new treatment options.”