Asahi Kasei Pharma signs exclusive license agreement with VectivBio to develop and commercialize next-generation GLP-2 analog peptide apraglutide in Japan
March 31, 2022
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshikazu Aoki; hereinafter “Asahi Kasei Pharma”) and VectivBio Holding AG (Head office: Basel, Switzerland; CEO: Luca Santarelli, M.D.; hereinafter “VectivBio”) have executed a license agreement whereby Asahi Kasei Pharma will acquire the exclusive rights in Japan to develop and commercialize apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting GLP-2 analog peptide.
Natural GLP-2 is a peptide which contributes to the homeostasis of various intestinal functions such as promoting the maintenance of small intestinal mucosa and digestion absorption. An analog of natural GLP-2, apraglutide is a rationally-designed synthetic peptide resulting in a longer half-life than natural GLP-2 while performing the same function. Currently, a phase 3 study of apraglutide for the treatment of short bowel syndrome1 with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) is being conducted in several countries and regions in the world including Japan. A clinical trial targeting patients with gastrointestinal symptoms caused by steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD)2 is scheduled as well.
Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma has acquired exclusive rights to develop and commercialize apraglutide in Japan from VectivBio while paying VectivBio upfront and development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments totaling up to ¥23 billion, as well as double-digit royalties on apraglutide sales in Japan.
By providing a new therapeutic solution for patients with SBS-IF and aGVHD, Asahi Kasei Pharma aims to realize a society where “no one should have to give up doing what they love due to illness” in accordance with its mission “to sincerely care for each individual life and solve their unmet medical needs with a wealth of ideas and solid science.”
About VectivBio AG
VectivBio (Nasdaq: VECT) is a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming and improving the lives of patients with severe rare conditions. Lead product candidate apraglutide is a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analog being developed for a range of rare gastrointestinal diseases where GLP-2 can play a central role in addressing disease pathophysiology, including short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) and Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease (aGVHD). Learn more at vectivbio.com
- 1Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorptive disorder caused by the loss of functional small intestine. Many patients with SBS require the support of fluids and nutrients taken by non-oral means.
- 2Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) is a complication seen in many patients who have been conducted an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant as donor immune cells attack the recipient’s body believing the recipient body as foreign, leading possibility of causing intestinal and liver damage.