Menarini Asia-Pacific has entered into a long-term exclusive licensing partnership with Astellas Pharma for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of the orally administered Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor Smyraf® 50 mg and 100 mg tablets (generic name: peficitinib hydrobromide) in Taiwan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Smyraf® has been approved in Taiwan and has patent protection for composition of matter until 2032.
Subject to the terms of the agreement, Astellas will receive total payments of up to €5.5M, including upfront and milestone payments. In addition, Menarini will pay Astellas a high-single digit percentage royalties on net sales of Smyraf®. Menarini will have an option to extend the rights to select South-East Asian markets.
Smyraf® was developed and is currently marketed in Japan by Astellas and is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (including prevention of structural joint damage) in patients who have an inadequate response to conventional therapies.