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news.AstraZeneca has entered into a co-commercialization agreement with the US unit of Daiichi Sankyo for distribution of its constipation drug, Movantik (naloxegol), a first-in-class once-daily oral peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA).
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The joint commercialization deal is in line with Daiichi’s strategy to expand its US portfolio through strategic alliances, in addition to its internal research and development (R&D) and acquisitions.
AstraZeneca North America US president and executive vice-president Paul Hudson said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Daiichi Sankyo to expand our commercialisation efforts in the US in order to get this important medicine to the large number of patients suffering with opioid-induced constipation.
"Our agreement reflects our evolving business model by creating value from our portfolio through externalisation activity.
"Together, we will grow the potential of this important treatment, while we retain our significant interest in the long-term commercial success of Movantik in our largest market."
The drug has been developed using technology from Nektar Therapeutics, and is indicated to treat opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain.
Movantik/Moventig is part of the exclusive worldwide license agreement signed between AstraZeneca and Nektar Therapeutics in 2009.
In September 2014, the company secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Movantik.
As part of the commercialization deal, Daiichi Sankyo will pay a $200m up-front fee and subsequent sales-related payments of up to $625m, while AstraZeneca will be responsible for manufacturing the medicine, book all sales and make sales-related commission payments to Daiichi.
Both companies will be jointly responsible for commercial activities of Movantik, which is scheduled to be launched in the US in early April 2015.
Image: AstraZeneca headquarters in London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca plc.