US based HUYA Bioscience International CEO & Executive Chair, Dr. Mireille Gillings announced the appointment of Japanese firm Meiji Seika Pharma (Meiji) as an exclusive distributor for its lymphoma product, HBI-8000, in Japan. Meiji also acquired exclusive rights for HBI-8000 in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore.

The drug, an epigenetic immunomodulator, is the first approved oral class I-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor which is now in various stages of development globally for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL) and Adult T-Cell Leukemia (ATL) in Japan and solid tumors in the United States. Increased excitement has been generated by studies that show that HBI-8000 produces cumulative effects over time that increase the receptivity of cancer cells to immunologic therapy.

The product has orphan drug designation for PTCL granted by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. HUYABIO will complete the development of HBI-8000 for PTCL and ATL in Japan for commercialization by Meiji who will hold exclusive sales and marketing rights. Meiji will pay HUYABIO an upfront and milestones plus royalties on net sales. HUYABIO will manufacture and supply the product to Meiji for initial commercialization.

"This collaboration aligns with Meiji's R&D commitment to oncology to develop new drugs to fulfil unmet needs of patients worldwide. By continually improving our R&D process with innovation, Meiji brings high-value and high-quality drugs to market quickly. Meiji and HUYABIO will cooperate to commercialize HBI-8000, for the benefit of cancer patients," said Daikichiro Kobayashi, President and Representative Director of Meiji Seika Pharma Co, Ltd.

"We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Meiji to bring HBI-8000 to patients with PTCL or ATL. We also look forward to advancing the development of our drug based on its immunomodulatory properties," said Dr. Mireille Gillings. "The agreement reinforces our vision to leverage assets licensed from China for global development and commercialization. Meiji Seika Pharma's strong position in hematologic malignancy will help ensure the drug's success in the Japanese market."