Evotec, Vifor Pharma collaborates to cure kidney diseases; AZ takes major steps to advance pharma and medicine R&D in China; Amneal licenses-in a Myasthenia Gravis drug from Kashiv BioSciences

Switzerland-based Vifor Pharma and Germany-based Evotech AG have collaborated for the development and discovery of new treatments for kidney diseases.

The launch of a new 50:50 joint venture will be focused on developing nephrology pipeline utilizing Evotec’s UK kidney biobank, NURTuRE. Under the terms of the agreement, Evotec will influence Vifor’s kidney diseases pipeline by existing product profiles as well as developing new ones.

Evotec plans to out licence all of its assets developed under the venture to Vifor Pharma for the further registration and commercialisation of the products hence expanding Vifor Pharma Group’s strong nephrology pipeline.

Vifor Pharma is providing initial funding for the development worth 25 Million Euros. The companies are positive about their future business prospects and have agreed upon splitting expenses and profits equally.

AstraZeneca has declared three long-term initiatives in its commitment to advance the research and development of novel medicines in China.  

At the 2nd annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, AZ announced the development of a new Global R&D Centre, an artificial intelligence (AI) Innovation Centre, and the Healthcare Industrial Fund with China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC).

The first of its kind fund has the limit of USD 1 Billion and the funds will support the domestic pharma and biotech institutions, along with international drugmakers investing in China.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals has licenced an orphan drug K127 from Kashiv BioSciences to treat Myasthenia gravis.

Under the agreement, Amneal will gain exclusive rights to the drug along with the commercialization of the drug in the US. Kashiv will be responsible for developing and manufacturing the drug, whereas Amneal will be focusing on filing for NDA and carrying out the commercialization of the product.

In addition of USD 1.5 Million upfront payment, Amneal will also pay Kashiv USD 16.5 Million upon achieving development and regulatory milestones.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular and a rare disorder that weakens the skeletal muscles and develops due to the damage in neurological junction receptors by antibodies.

Currently, the Myasthenia gravis therapeutics market size is mainly accounted by symptomatic treatment including acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Mestinon), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab, tacrolimus), rapid acting short-term immunomodulation (Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Plasma Exchange), and long-term immunomodulation (Thymectomy).