Maruho Enters into Licence Agreement with Alchemedicine
Tuesday, July 04, 2023
Maruho and Alchemedicine announced that they have entered into an exclusive licence agreement to develop and commercialise Alchemedicine's aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activator.
The licence agreement between Alchemedicine and Maruho grants Maruho exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialise a compound in designated disease areas.
Under the agreement, Maruho will make an upfront payment to Alchemedicine. In addition to the upfront payment, Maruho will be responsible for potential development and commercial milestone payments. Maruho will also pay tiered royalties to Alchemedicine based on the sales of the compound.
With this agreement, both Maruho and Alchemedicine aim to improve the quality of life for patients by providing new therapeutic agents. Moreover, the licence agreement includes backup compounds possessed by Alchemedicine that selectively activate ALDH2.
ALDH2 is a mitochondrial enzyme known for its role in detoxifying acetaldehyde, a toxic substance produced after alcohol consumption. However, the compound's potential extends beyond acetaldehyde detoxification, as ALDH2 also acts on various other substances. This suggests that the compound has the potential for use in a wide range of indications, beyond just alcohol-related issues.
