GSK Pharma signs licensing agreement with Astellas of Japan

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharma today announced that it had signed a collaboration agreement with Japan's Astellas Pharma Inc for exclusive rights to distribute its injectable anti-fungal agent micafungin, sold under the brand name Mycamine, in the Indian market.

Micafungin, an original research product of Astellas was initially approved by Japanese Agency in 2002, and in the US in 2005 followed by other countries.

"One of our growth planks is to partner with global pharmaceutical companies for licensing in important molecules," said Dr Hasit Joshipura, managing director, GSK India. "The agreement with Astellas is in line with this strategy."

Ravi Limaye, vice president, pharmaceuticals, GSK India,said "Micafungin strengthens GSK's presence in intensive care. It also provides an excellent fit with oncology where GSK has a promising R&D pipeline."

Micafungin belongs to a new class of anti-fungal agents that work against deep seated candida infections. It has a novel mode of action and is indicated for the treatment of patients with esophageal candidiasis and the prophylaxis of candida infections in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the US. It works by interfering with the formation of the cell wall of the fungus, which results in the death of the fungus. In January 2008, the product was also granted approval for the use of micafungin in the treatment of patients with candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, candida peritonitis and abscesses."