Shionogi, Japanese major research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing benefits to patients has announced that BioDelivery Sciences International, a rapidly growing commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to patients living with chronic pain, has licensed full rights to commercialize Symproic (naldemedine) tablets 0.2 mg in the United States. The transfer of rights is effective immediately.

Symproic is an oral tablet which functions as a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist medication indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain, including patients with chronic pain related to prior cancer or its treatment who do not require frequent (e.g., weekly) opioid dosage escalation.

“The decision to license Symproic is part of our ongoing strategy to sharpen our commercial focus in specialty therapeutic areas,” said Dr. Isao Teshirogi, President and CEO of Shionogi & Co., Ltd. “Given BioDelivery Sciences International’s strong commercial capabilities, we feel they are the best partner to maximize the value of Symproic as a treatment option for adult patients suffering from chronic non-cancer pain and struggling with opioid-induced constipation.

Under the terms of the transaction, Shionogi Inc. will receive an upfront cash payment of $20 million, an additional $10 million in six months, as well as quarterly royalty payments.

Shionogi regained full rights to Symproic in June 2018. The exclusive rights are now granted to BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. Symproic is indicated for the treatment of OIC in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain, including patients with chronic pain related to prior cancer or its treatment who do not require frequent (e.g., weekly) opioid dosage escalation. Symproic was made available to patients in the U.S. in October 2017.