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Announcement of listing on the NHI drug price standard and marketing of Cresemba™ Capsule 40 mg in Japan

November 20, 2024
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.

Asahi Kasei Pharma announces that Cresemba™ Capsule 40 mg (generic name: isavuconazonium sulfate, “the product”) for the treatment of invasive fungal infections has been listed on Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) drug price standard today. The market launch of the product is scheduled for November 27, 2024.

The product is an additional formulation of Cresemba™ Capsule 100 mg and Cresemba™ Intravenous Infusion 200 mg, which Asahi Kasei Pharma has sold in Japan since April 2023. Isavuconazonium sulfate was created as a new antifungal agent by Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil (Basilea) of Switzerland, from which in September 2016 Asahi Kasei Pharma obtained exclusive rights to develop and commercialize in Japan.

Expected to have efficacy and safety equivalent to Cresemba™ Capsule 100 mg, the product has a smaller capsule size which is easier to swallow. Asahi Kasei Pharma hopes to further contribute to patients with invasive fungal infections by adding the product as a therapeutic option that can improve convenience and adherence to medication for patients.

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,” Asahi Kasei Pharma aims to realize a society where “no one should have to give up doing what they love due to illness” by providing the product as a new therapeutic solution for patients with fungal infections.

Product overview

Product name
Cresemba™ Capsule 40 mg
Generic name
Isavuconazonium sulfate
Indication
The following fungal infections:
• Aspergillosis (invasive aspergillosis, chronic progressive pulmonary aspergillosis, simple pulmonary aspergilloma)
• Mucormycosis
• Cryptococcosis (pulmonary cryptococcosis, disseminated cryptococcosis (including cryptococcal meningitis))
Dosage and administration
For adults, ordinarily 6 doses of 200 mg of isavuconazole orally, once every 8 hours. Starting 12 to 24 hours after the 6th dose, 200 mg of isavuconazole orally once per day.
Manufacture and sale
Asahi Kasei Pharma
Approval
September 24, 2024
NHI price listing
November 20, 2024
Launch of sale
November 27, 2024 (scheduled)
NHI price
¥2,007.80

About Basilea

Company name
Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil
Headquarters
Allschwil, Switzerland
CEO
David Veitch
Businesses
Development and commercialization of innovative drugs to meet medical needs of patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections. Established as a subsidiary of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. in 2008.