BOSTON — Astria Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATXS) has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialize navenibart in Japan for the preventative treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). The Phase 3-stage monoclonal antibody targets plasma kallikrein and is being evaluated for its potential as a long-acting, low-burden preventative therapy.
Under the deal, Astria will receive a $16 million upfront payment, with up to $16 million in potential commercialization and sales milestones. The agreement also includes tiered royalties of up to 30% on net sales in Japan and partial reimbursement of Phase 3 costs.
“This partnership advances our strategy to enable broad access to navenibart globally,” said Jill C. Milne, Ph.D., CEO of Astria Therapeutics. “Kaken’s strong relationships with the Japanese medical community will support both our ALPHA-ORBIT trial and potential commercialization.”
Kaken President Hiroyuki Horiuchi said the drug could complement the company’s HAE portfolio and provide Japanese patients with improved options for managing their disease. Dr. Michihiro Hide, president of Hiroshima City Hospital Organization, called navenibart’s potential “significant” for patients seeking protection from HAE attacks with minimal treatment burden.
Kaken will lead regulatory submissions in Japan and contribute to the ongoing Phase 3 program. Astria said the upfront payment and cost-sharing arrangement extend its cash runway to 2028.
