Kyowa Kirin International and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals Partner to Enhance Access to Rare Disease Medicines in MENA

Kyowa Kirin International (KKI), a subsidiary of Japan-based global specialty pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., has announced a new Promotion and Distribution Agreement with NewBridge Pharmaceuticals. This partnership aims to distribute KKI’s rare disease treatments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

According to the agreement, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals will commercialize two of KKI’s products: CRYSVITA® (burosumab) and POTELIGEO® (mogamulizumab). CRYSVITA is used for treating X-Linked Hypophosphataemia (XLH) and Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia (TIO), while POTELIGEO is used to treat two subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

NewBridge will hold exclusive distribution rights for these products in Algeria, Iraq, Libya, and Jordan. Both companies also plan to tackle challenges in the rare disease community in the MENA region. Their efforts will include raising disease awareness, shortening the time it takes to diagnose conditions, and improving access to innovative treatments for rare and orphan diseases.

Jeremy Morgan, President of KKI, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering life-changing medicines. He expressed satisfaction in partnering with NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, which shares a mission to significantly improve the lives of patients in the MENA region. He noted that the agreement would ensure patients with XLH, TIO, and CTCL get the necessary treatments, marking another step forward in KKI’s mission.

Joe Henein, President and CEO of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the high prevalence of rare diseases in the MENA region. He expressed pride in expanding the existing partnership with KKI by adding these rare disease products. Henein underscored NewBridge's commitment to providing access to new therapies that aim to alleviate suffering and enhance the quality of life for patients.

CRYSVITA (burosumab) is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody designed to bind to the protein fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Inhibiting FGF23 helps restore phosphate regulation in the body, which is crucial for patients with XLH and TIO.

POTELIGEO (mogamulizumab) is a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). This protein is consistently expressed in both mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, two subtypes of CTCL. By binding to CCR4, mogamulizumab attracts immune cells to destroy the cancerous cells.

Kyowa Kirin has a long history of investing in drug discovery and biotechnology innovation, focusing on developing treatments that offer significant value to patients with severe and rare diseases. The company operates across Japan, Asia Pacific, North America, and EMEA/International regions, unified by a commitment to sustainable growth and improving patient lives.

NewBridge Pharmaceuticals is a specialty company that aims to bridge the access gap in the MENA region. With a comprehensive pharmaceutical platform, NewBridge partners with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies to in-license and commercialize innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs in the region.

This strategic partnership between KKI and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals is a significant step forward in making essential treatments available to patients suffering from rare diseases in the MENA region. By joining forces, the two companies aim to address the critical challenges in the rare disease community and improve patients' quality of life through better access to innovative treatments.