Shire is looking to make in-roads into the growing Japanese market for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs and has signed a pact with Shionogi.
The deal will see the firms co-develop and co-commercialize certain of Shire’s ADHD treatments in Japan. Its portfolio in that area is driven by Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) and its predecessor Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts), plus Intuniv (guanfacine).
Specific terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but Shionogi will pay a one-time fee and share costs. Shire said it “believes the path to regulatory approval, market development and commercialisation for ADHD medicines will be more effective and efficient” through this partnership.
Mike Yasick, head of Shire’s ADHD business, said “we look forward to working with the Shionogi team on efforts to enhance awareness in Japan about the impact undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have on our societies”.
In February 2009, Shire opened an office in Japan and said at the time that it would serve as the base for “the future commercialisation of its pipeline products in the second largest biopharmaceutical market in the world”.
