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Drugs

Ajinomoto and Sankyo Collaborate on Novel Diabetes Drug AJD101

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. and Sankyo Co., Ltd., both based in Tokyo, Japan, have entered into an agreement granting Sankyo exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and market the new diabetes drug AJD101 and related compounds. The collaboration marks the second partnership between the two companies, following their successful collaboration on the fast-acting postprandial glucose-lowering tablets FASTIC in 2001. AJD101 is a groundbreaking anti-diabetic drug with a completely new mechanism of action, which has shown glucose-lowering action in various animal models of diabetes. Phase I studies in humans are currently underway overseas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement grants Sankyo exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and market AJD101 and related compounds.
  • Ajinomoto will retain the rights to manufacture a portion of the drug line and will jointly participate with Sankyo in certain phases of further development.
  • Sankyo will pay an up-front payment of JPY 4.6 billion to Ajinomoto, as well as milestone payments at certain stages of the drug's development, and post-marketing royalties based on sales.
  • AJD101 has shown glucose-lowering action in various animal models of diabetes and may contribute to beta-cell rest, which could alter the progressive deterioration of pancreatic function.
  • The current diabetes drug market is expected to expand from approximately JPY 1.5 trillion annually to JPY 2 trillion by 2010.
  • The number of people suspected of having diabetes in Japan is estimated to be approximately 7.4 million, and when those for whom the possibility of diabetes could not be precluded are included, the estimate increases to 16.2 million.
  • Ajinomoto and Sankyo's first collaboration on FASTIC in 2001 was successful, and their current partnership is expected to contribute to patient care and expand the choice of diabetes drug treatment options.

Statistics:

  • The global number of diabetes patients is expected to rise from 194 million in 2003 to 333 million by 2025 (International Diabetes Federation).
  • The current diabetes drug market is approximately JPY 1.5 trillion annually.
  • The market is expected to expand to JPY 2 trillion by 2010.
  • Sankyo will pay an up-front payment of JPY 4.6 billion to Ajinomoto.
  • AJD101 has shown glucose-lowering action in various animal models of diabetes.
  • Phase I studies in humans are currently underway overseas.

Sources:

  • Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
  • Sankyo Co., Ltd.
  • Health & Medicine Week
  • NewsRx.com
  • International Diabetes Federation
  • Health Service Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2002 Diabetes Demographic Survey)

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