Summary: Nxera Pharma Japan Co Ltd has entered a new commercial partnership with Shionogi & Co Ltd for the distribution and sales of Quviviq (daridorexant) in Japan, following the drug’s recent approval for treating adult insomnia. The previous agreement with Mochida Pharmaceutical Co Ltd has been terminated, with Shionogi taking over full responsibility for sales and distribution in Japan.
Key Takeaways:
- New Commercial Agreement for Quviviq: Nxera Pharma has partnered with Shionogi to handle distribution and sales of Quviviq in Japan, following the termination of its previous arrangement with Mochida Pharmaceutical.
- Recent Approval for Insomnia Treatment: Quviviq, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, was recently approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health for treating adult patients with insomnia, allowing Nxera to advance its commercial strategy.
- Nxera and Shionogi Collaboration: Under the agreement, Nxera provides the drug product while Shionogi manages sales and distribution, positioning Quviviq to address a major public health issue related to insomnia.
Nxera Pharma Co Ltd, formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, announced that Nxera Pharma Japan Co Ltd has entered a new commercial partnership agreement with Shionogi & Co Ltd regarding the distribution and sales for Quviviq (daridorexant 25 and 50 mg) in Japan.
The previous commercialization arrangement between Nxera Pharma Japan Co Ltd and Mochida Pharmaceutical Co Ltd has been terminated. After negotiation between Shionogi and Mochida, Shionogi will be solely responsible for distribution and sales activities in Japan.
Quviviq is a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist, discovered by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, that was approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia in September.
Shionogi Responsible for Distribution and Sales
Under the terms of the new agreement, Nxera will be responsible for providing drug product for the Japanese market, and Shionogi will be exclusively responsible for distribution and sales in Japan. Nxera will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive royalties on net sales from Shionogi. Mochida Pharmaceutical Factory Co, Ltd, a Mochida’s subsidiary, will remain exclusively responsible for manufacturing of Quviviq in Japan. Upon the termination of the commercial agreement with Mochida, Nxera will make a one-off payment to Mochida.
“Quviviq has the potential to become a significant product for Nxera Pharma in Japan. Through its novel mechanism of action, it could provide a best-in-class treatment option to address a major national health issue that affects millions of individuals in Japan who suffer from insomnia,” says Chris Cargill, president and CEO of Nxera Pharma, in a release. “In Shionogi, we have secured a sales partner with the scale and expertise to rapidly address the full market opportunity and reach healthcare professionals and insomnia patients across the country. We will work together with Shionogi and Mochida to prepare for the launch of this innovative product for patients who suffer from insomnia as quickly as possible.”
Daridorexant is approved in the US and Europe and marketed in these territories under the brand name Quviviq by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Nxera Pharma has the Japanese and APAC rights for daridorexant following its acquisition of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Japan Ltd and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Korea Co Ltd in 2023. Quviviq was co-developed in Japan by Nxera and Mochida.
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