Osaka, Japan & Boston– Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have announced an exclusive licensing and development agreement for povetacicept, a promising investigational treatment targeting serious B cell-mediated diseases, including immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and primary membranous nephropathy (pMN). The agreement grants Ono the rights to develop and commercialize the drug in Japan and South Korea.
Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein that acts as a dual antagonist of two immune-signaling molecules—BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand). It is currently under clinical development and has shown potential as a best-in-class therapy for multiple autoimmune kidney conditions.
As part of the deal, Vertex will receive an upfront payment from Ono, along with potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties on future sales. Ono will lead development efforts and pursue regulatory approvals for the drug in Japan and South Korea. Once approved, Ono will take over full responsibility for marketing and commercialization in both countries. The agreement covers both current lead indications—IgAN and pMN—with the possibility of expanding into additional therapeutic areas.
Ono President and COO Toichi Takino said the partnership represents a strategic step forward for the company’s immunology pipeline. “Vertex has a strong history of delivering breakthrough therapies. This collaboration allows us to strengthen our late-stage pipeline in immunology, an area of strategic importance for Ono,” Takino said. “We are committed to bringing povetacicept to patients in Japan and South Korea who suffer from serious autoimmune diseases.”
Vertex CEO Reshma Kewalramani described Ono as an ideal partner, noting the Japanese pharmaceutical company’s deep expertise in nephrology and its well-established infrastructure across both countries. “Ono’s strong presence and experience in the region make them the right partner to help us bring povetacicept to patients who urgently need new treatment options,” Kewalramani said. “We look forward to working closely with them to advance this potential therapy.”
The agreement reflects both companies’ commitment to accelerating the development of innovative therapies for chronic and underserved conditions in global markets.
