Clinigen K.K. and GC Pharma Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement in Japan for Hunterase (Idursulfase-beta) ICV, Hunter Syndrome Drug
Thursday, April 04, 2019
Clinigen K.K. and GC Pharma today announced an exclusive licensing agreement in Japan to commercialize Hunterase (Idursulfase-beta) ICV, a human recombinant iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) used in enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of Hunter syndrome. Used as one of the methods for Hunter syndrome treatment, intravenous injection does not penetrate the blood brain barrier in clinically adequate amounts. Hunterase (Idursulfase-beta) ICV developed by GC Pharma is delivered directly to cerebral ventricles by intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration, in order to reach the cells of the brain and central nervous system. Hunterase (Idursulfase-beta) ICV is expected to meet the unmet needs of severe patients in improving their quality of life, as a method that can achieve what previous intravenous injection could not. The Phase 1/2 clinical trial conducted as an investigator-initiated trial by Prof. Torayuki Okuyama in National Center for Child Health and Development in Japan showed a significant decrease in Heparan sulfate which causes mental retardation.
"We are proud to bring this innovative treatment to Japanese patients through the partnership with GC Pharma," said Yoshikazu Nakamura, Representative Director at Clinigen K.K.. "Hunter Syndrome is a complex disease with unmet medical need. We earnestly hope that this product provides significant benefit to patients in Japan."
"We are delighted to further enhance the value of Hunterase through this partnership," said Eun Chul Huh, Ph.D., President at GC Pharma. "Our efforts to make substantial differences in the lives of those with Hunter syndrome in all markets will continue by providing new treatment environments and opportunities.
