A. Menarini Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Menarini Asia-Pacific has entered into a long-term exclusive licensing partnership with Astellas Pharma Inc. (Astellas) for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of the orally administered Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor Smyraf® 50 mg and 100 mg Tablets (generic name: peficitinib hydrobromide) in Taiwan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Smyraf® has been approved in Taiwan and has patent protection for composition of matter until 2032. Subject to the terms of the agreement, Astellas will receive total payments of up to €5.5 million including upfront and milestone payments. In addition, Menarini will pay Astellas a high-single digit percentage royalties on net sales of Smyraf®. Menarini will have an option to extend the rights to select South-East Asian markets. Smyraf® was developed and is currently marketed in Japan by Astellas and is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (including prevention of structural joint damage) in patients who have an inadequate response to conventional therapies. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage. With an estimated prevalence of 287.0 per 100,000 persons in Taiwan[1], rheumatoid arthritis is acknowledged as a significant health problem, and efforts are being made to enhance its diagnosis, treatment, and management amidst an ageing population in the region. "Menarini has a long history as the partner of choice for many biopharmaceutical companies across the Asia-Pacific region and we are excited that Astellas has trusted Menarini to promote and commercialize Smyraf®. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often need different options if the treatment target is not achieved. With proven efficacy and flexible dosing benefits, Smyraf® will play an important role in this regard," said Maurizio Luongo, Chief Executive Officer of Menarini Asia-Pacific. [1]{Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network}. 2020. Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) Results. Seattle. USA. {Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)}. / About Menarini Asia-Pacific Menarini Asia-Pacific is a member of the Menarini Group, the world's largest Italian biopharmaceutical company with a heritage of over 130 years and over 17,000 employees in more than 140 countries. Here in Asia-Pacific, Menarini's vision is to be a leading provider of important healthcare brands to improve the lives of people in the region. Menarini Asia-Pacific operates across the entire commercial value chain, from clinical development, regulatory approval, and product launch to lifecycle management with a diverse portfolio of proprietary and partnered brands in key therapeutic fields, including Consumer Health, Dermatology, Allergy/Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Cardio-metabolic, Anti-infectives, Oncology/Specialty Care and Men's Health. For the Financial Year 2022, the Menarini Group's revenue registered 4.15 billion euros, of which the Asia Pacific region has grown to become a dynamic engine of growth for the Group with more than 10% revenue contribution. For more information, visit Logo - SOURCE Menarini Asia-Pacific

Alkaptonuria: Rare Form of Disease Shows Major Symptoms in Adulthood Alkaptonuria is a rare form of a genetic metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the body. This disease is also called black urine disease or black bone disease. Affected people may have dark urine or urine that turns black when exposed to air. However, this change may not occur for several hours after urination and often goes unnoticed. Read Report Overview - Black urine is main symptom in this disease which is present from birth. However, more symptoms can be observed in adulthood. The disorder is caused by mutation of the homogentisate 1, 2-dioxygenase (HGD) gene. Symptoms of this disease include ochronosis, eye sclera discoloration, tendonitis, and long-standing conditions leading to arthritis No medications are known to be useful in managing alkaptonuria. However, symptomatic relief can be provided by different classes of drugs. Also, several drugs are in investigational phase for the treatment of alkaptonuria. Request Brochure of Report - Key Drivers and Restraints of Global Alkaptonuria Drugs Market Increase in new reported cases of alkaptonuria is the major factor responsible for the growth of the global alkaptonuria drugs market For instance, according to an article published in the Journal of Rare Diseases on December 2013, the worldwide prevalence of alkaptonuria is 1 case in 250,000–1,000,000 births and total 950 alkaptonuria patients was identified in 40 countries by the end of 2013 Rise in awareness about alkaptonuria disease and clinical investigational therapies for the disease are some of the major factors fuelling the growth of the global alkaptonuria market Patient assistance programs and different support programs in terms of treatment and research run by different organizations for alkaptonuria have further contributed to the growth of the global alkaptonuria drugs market Ineffective Treatment Methods Hamper Market Growth Not much medications are available which can be fully described as effective options for the treatment for alkaptonuria. This unavailability of effective treatment options is hampering the market growth. Inadequate knowledge of the disease in some developing countries can also restrain the market growth Request for Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on Alkaptonuria Drugs Market - Enzyme Inhibitors - Highly Promising Drug Segment Based on drug class, the global alkaptonuria drugs market can be divided into vitamins, enzyme Inhibitors, and others Enzyme inhibitors include mainly Nitisinone which is a highly promising drug candidate for the treatment of alkaptonuria. This segment is anticipated to be a highly lucrative segment in the next few years due to ongoing clinical trials and availability of branded and generic options in this category. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the major vitamin used for various metabolic processes. Mild antioxidant nature of vitamin C helps to retard the process of conversion of homogentisate to the polymeric material that is deposited in cartilaginous tissues. Oral Route of Administration Dominated Global Market In terms of route of administration, the global alkaptonuria drugs market can be bifurcated into oral and injectable Oral route of administration dominated the global alkaptonuria drugs market due to accurate unit dosage forms by tablets & capsules in adults and higher preference in children for suspension Request for Custom Research - Online Pharmacies to be Promising Segment On the basis of distribution channel, the global alkaptonuria drugs market is classified into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies Easy availability of branded as well as generic drugs and easy access to retail pharmacies are some of the major factors responsible for the dominance of the retail pharmacies segment The online pharmacies segment is expected to be a highly lucrative segment during the forecast period due to rise in preference of online purchase by people and better discounted rates available at these stores. North America to Lead Global Alkaptonuria Drugs Market In terms of region, the global alkaptonuria drugs market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Europe dominated the global alkaptonuria drugs market in 2018 due to higher number of reported cases of alkaptonuria in the region, ongoing clinical trials, and better awareness regarding disease & its management For instance, according to an article published in the Journal of Rare Diseases on December 2013, total 206 patients in Slovakia and 90 patients in Germany were identified for alkaptonuria by the end of 2013 Asia Pacific is anticipated to be a lucrative market for alkaptonuria drugs during the forecast period due to higher alkaptonuria patient population in some countries such as India, growing awareness of disease, and rise in focus and presence of companies in the region due to major market opportunities in this region Pre Book Alkaptonuria Drugs Market Report at