Minghui Pharmaceutical Signs Licensing Deal with ASKA for Thyroid Eye Disease Drug in Japan

Minghui Pharmaceutical and ASKA Pharmaceutical have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the development and commercialization of MHB018A in Japan. The drug, a subcutaneous antibody targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), is currently being evaluated as a treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED). Minghui retains global development rights for the molecule outside of Japan.

The financial terms of the agreement include an upfront payment of $110 million to Minghui, with the potential for an additional $330 million in development and commercial milestone payments. Furthermore, Minghui is entitled to tiered royalties on net sales in Japan that could reach the mid-30% range.

MHB018A is currently in Phase 3 clinical testing, with studies ongoing in China, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Phase 2 data previously indicated clinical efficacy in both active and chronic TED patients. For ASKA, the partnership is a strategic move to address a condition with limited therapeutic options in the Japanese market.