ALK Abello partner Torii progresses Japanese development of Mitizax

Denmark-based allergy specialist ALK Abello (ALKB: DC) revealed yesterday that its strategic partner, Japan-based Torii Pharma (TSE:4551), is advancing the clinical development program for Mitizax, the immunotherapy product against house dust mite induced hay fever and asthma, initiating an extensive clinical Phase II/III program for the product in a Japanese population.

Early last year, ALK and Torii entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop, register and commercialise ALK’s house dust mite allergy immunotherapy products for asthma and allergic rhinitis in Japan. Under the deal, ALK received an upfront payment of 30 million euros ($40.7 million at then exchange rates) and up to 30 million euros in development and market registration milestone payments (The Pharma Letter February 8, 2011).

Jens Bager, president and chief executive of ALK, states: “The partnership with Torii is an important part of our strategy to secure global reach for our range of modern allergy immunotherapies. The news that Mitizax is entering the final stage of clinical development in Japan represents important progress and establishes a clear competitive advantage for ALK and Torii.”