Kirin and Astellas Enter Into Licensing Agreement on Immunosuppressive Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody
Kirin Brewery Company, Limited and Astellas Pharma Inc. announced that they have entered into a license and collaborative research and development agreement under which Kirin and Astellas will exclusively collaborate in developing and marketing a fully human anti-CD40 antagonistic monoclonal antibody ("CD40 antagonistic mAb") in the world.
The immune system primarily serves to protect the body against infectious pathogens. This CD40 antagonistic mAb was discovered by Kirin and shows strong immunosuppressive activity in preclinical studies. The mechanism of action for CD40 antagonistic mAb is considered that it inhibits signal transduction between T-cell, playing main roles in immune response, and antigen-presenting cell. Although it is now under research and development for the first target indication of "prophylaxis of organ rejection associated with organ transplantation," it is also expected to be used for certain autoimmune diseases.
Under this agreement, Kirin will receive a certain upfront payment as well as milestone payments. Research and development will be carried out worldwide between Astellas and Kirin with equal cost sharing. On a worldwide basis, Astellas has a right to sell the product, and Kirin has a right to co-promote. Profit will be equally shared. With regard to Japan, Kirin retains a right to co-market; each party will pay to the other a certain royalty in stead of profit sharing.
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