Japan to distribute hyperuricemia drug in five ASEAN countries

Japan-based Eisai and FUJI YAKUHIN have inked a license agreement concerning dotinurad (generic name), a treatment for hyperuricemia and gout discovered by FUJI YAKUHIN, for development and distribution in five ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand.

This agreement conclusion will lead to an expansion into Southeast Asia of an agreement regarding dotinurad in China concluded by Eisai and FUJI YAKUHIN in February 2020.

Based on this agreement, Eisai will acquire exclusive development and marketing rights for dotinurad in the said five countries from FUJI YAKUHIN. FUJI YAKUHIN will retain responsibility for manufacturing the formulation of dotinurad, and supply to Eisai. Eisai will be responsible for New Drug Applications for dotinurad in the said five countries and pay FUJI YAKUHIN an upfront payment and sales milestones.

Hyperuricemia is known to be associated with various diseases in the urinary system, endocrine system, metabolic system, cardio-cerebrovascular system etc., including gout. It is estimated that currently in Southeast Asia, the number of hyperuricemia and gout patients is approximately 2.83 million.