US-based AgNovos Healthcare and Japanese firm Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation have entered into an exclusive option agreement for the commercialization of AgNovos’ AGN1 LOEP Hip Kit in Japan. The kit is used to perform a minimally invasive procedure to treat osteoporotic bone loss in the hip.

AgNovos will receive up to $19.5 million of non-dilutive funding. If the AGN1 LOEP Hip Kit is successfully developed and commercialized, AgNovos will be eligible to receive up to $103 million in additional payments and will also receive double-digit royalties on product sales in Japan, that AgNovos estimates could be worth more than $400 million during the term.

AgNovos and Asahi Kasei Pharma have agreed to collaborate on all aspects of Japanese market entry and launch.

The AGN1 LOEP Hip Kit contains the instruments and materials to perform a minimally invasive procedure to implant AGN1, a proprietary, calcium-based, osteoconductive, and tri-phasic implant material. AGN1 is uniquely formulated with a cell-friendly surface architecture and a resorption profile that enables the rapid formation of new bone. The kit is available in select markets under the brand name OSSURE® LOEP kit.