Rigel Pharmaceuticals, a US-based biotech firm specializing in hematologic disorders and cancer, has signed an exclusive license and supply agreement with Japan’s Kissei Pharmaceutical Co. to develop and commercialize REZLIDHIA (olutasidenib) in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. REZLIDHIA, which is currently available in the US for treating relapsed or refractory mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (mIDH1) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), will now be targeted for expansion into Asian markets through this collaboration.
The agreement includes an upfront payment of $10 million to Rigel, with the potential for an additional $152.5 million through various developmental, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Rigel will also earn a transfer price in the mid-twenty to lower-thirty percent range on tiered net sales.
Kissei will seek approval for REZLIDHIA in Japan for treating R/R mIDH1 AML, overseeing clinical studies required by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). Rigel, while retaining global rights outside of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, is pursuing further partnerships to expand the drug’s reach in other markets.
This partnership builds on Rigel’s existing relationship with Kissei, which also includes the development and commercialization of TAVALISSE for chronic immune thrombocytopenia in Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan.
