Ablynx, a biopharmaceutical company, has formed an exclusive license agreement with Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for the development and commercialization of Ablynx's anti-TNFα Nanobody, ozoralizumab, in Japan, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Under the agreement, Taisho will be responsible for development, registration, and commercialization of anti-TNFα Nanobody therapeutics in Japan. Ablynx will receive an upfront payment of $3 million and is entitled to receive development and commercial milestone payments plus royalties based on annual net sales of anti-TNFα Nanobody therapeutics generated in Japan.

Ozoralizumab is a TNFα blocker with clinical Phase II proof-of-concept in RA. The therapeutic molecule consists of two Nanobodies targeting TNFα, which are linked to a Nanobody that binds to human serum albumin, extending the drug's half-life and improving its distribution to inflamed oints in vivo. In September 2014, Ablynx granted an exclusive royalty-bearing license to Eddingpharm, a Chinese specialty pharmaceutical companies, to develop and commercialize ozoralizumab in Greater China.

Source: Ablynx