AstraZeneca plc has entered into tie-up with Daiichi Sankyo to co-promote denosumab for the treatment of bone disorders stemming from bone metastasis in Japan. The financial terms of this agreement are not disclosed.

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo will co-promote denosumab after it is approved for use in Japan. Bone metastasis is one of the most frequent causes of pain for cancer patients which can cause bone fractures and reduces ability to maintain normal quality of life including day-to-day activities. Denosumab, with its novel mode of action and targeted delivery via a monthly subcutaneous injection, represents a new treatment option in Japan for the management of bone metastasis across a broad range of cancer types.

In Japan, Daiichi Sankyo acquired denosumab rights in 2007 from Amgen Inc. The company filed a Japanese New Drug Application (JNDA) in August 2010.

Tony Zook, executive vice president of AstraZeneca’s Global Commercial Organisation said: “Collaborations like this are a key part of our strategy to bring innovative medicines to patients. This partnership leverages our long-standing commitment to oncology in Japan, and we look forward to contributing our expertise in this area to bring this novel cancer treatment to patients upon approval.”

Denosumab is the first approved therapy that specifically targets RANK Ligand, an essential regulator of osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone). By targeting RANK Ligand regulator, denosumab has shown the ability to prevent the spread of cancer to the bone. Bone metastasis occurs when cancer cells from the primary tumour relocate to the bone.

AstraZeneca's revenue in Japan grew by 4 per cent in 2010 to $2,617 million in 2010 out pacing the estimated market growth. AstraZeneca has steadily built a significant presence in Japan with 3,100 employees, an R&D centre in Osaka and a leadership position in the oncology market. Crestor and Losec, as well as the launch of Symbicort Turbuhaler in 2010, contributed to continued growth. AstraZeneca expects to launch Nexium in Japan within the next 12 month.