Ono to sell Vertex’s povetacicept in Japan

US biopharma Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VRTX) and Japanese drugmaker Ono Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4528) have announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of Vertex’s povetacicept in Japan and South Korea.

Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines with best-in-class potential being studied for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) and other B cell-mediated diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties.