News Release

Otsuka Obtains Marketing Approval in Japan for Onglyza® Tablets to Treat Type 2 Diabetes; Transferred Rights to Kyowa Hakko Kirin

March 25, 2013

Tokyo, Japan, March 25, 2013-Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) and Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.(Kyowa Hakko Kirin) today announced that Otsuka has obtained marketing approval for Onglyza® Tablets 2.5mg and 5mg(generic name: saxagliptin hydrate) to treat type 2 diabetes. Otsuka signed an agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin in June 2012, transferring to Kyowa Hakko Kirin the exclusive development and marketing rights for Onglyza® in Japan.

Onglyza® was originated by Bristol-Myers Squibb. This oral hypoglycemic agent for diabetes acts by selectively inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that breaks down glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1*) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP). Once-daily dosing with Onglyza® produces a blood glucose-dependent reduction in blood sugar levels.

The efficacy and safety of Onglyza® were confirmed in accordance with the Guideline for Clinical Evaluation of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (PFSB/ELD Notification No. 0709-1, July 9, 2010).

Onglyza® has been approved in 85 countries, including the US and EU (as of February 2013).

Otsuka Pharmaceutical is to transfer marketing rights in Japan for Onglyza® to Kyowa Hakko Kirin, based on the 2012 agreement signed by the two companies. Otsuka will receive ¥8.2 billion from Kyowa Hakko Kirin upon approval, in addition to the initial payment of ¥3.0 billion. Moreover, Otsuka will receive running royalties after the launch of the drug in proportion to its revenue.

The approval of Onglyza® provides a new option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is therefore expected to help healthcare professionals and patients to manage type 2 diabetes.

  • *
    GLP-1 is secreted soon after eating, stimulating the pancreatic beta-cells and increasing insulin secretion. When DPP-4 is inhibited, blood levels of GLP-1 are maintained and rising blood sugar levels can be curbed.

You can see this table by scrolling horizontally.

Onglyza® product overview
Product name Onglyza® Tablets 2.5 mg and 5 mg
Generic name Saxagliptin hydrate
Indication Type 2 diabetes
Dosage and Administration Once-daily oral administration of 5 mg saxagliptin in adults. Once-daily oral administration of 2.5 mg is also possible, based on the condition of the individual patient.
Approval date March 25, 2013

Contact:

Kyowa Hakko Kirin

Media Contact:

+81-3-3282-1903

or

Investors:

+81-3-3282-0009

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