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Edison licenses two candidates to Dainippon

March 29, 2013 12:12 AM UTC

Edison Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.) granted Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4506; Osaka:4506) exclusive rights to develop and commercialize EPI-743 and EPI-589 in Japan. Edison, which retains rights to the compounds outside of Japan, will receive $35 million up front and $15 million in R&D support from Dainippon. Edison is also eligible for $10-$35 million in development milestones per indication and up to $460 million in commercial milestones, plus royalties.

Dainippon will be responsible for development of EPI-743 in Japan for Orphan pediatric mitochondrial diseases. The compound is in Phase IIb/III testing to treat inherited mitochondrial diseases and Phase II testing to treat inherited mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases. EPI-743 is an oral small molecule targeting NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 ( NQO1; QR1) that augments endogenous glutathione biosynthesis. Edison and Dainippon will both be responsible for development of EPI-589 for adult CNS diseases in Japan. The reversible redox cofactor is in preclinical testing, with Phase I testing slated to start next quarter. ...