Eisai Inc., the US pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., has announced the completion of Eisai's acquisition of four oncology-related products from Ligand Pharmaceuticals. The companies were advised that the 30-day waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) act was terminated early by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

In the agreement, Eisai Co., Ltd. and Eisai Inc. obtained exclusive global rights to Ontak (denileukin diftitox), Targretin (bexarotene) capsules, Targretin (bexarotene) gel 1 per cent and Panretin (alitretinoin) gel 0.1 per cent, a company release stated.

In the US, Eisai assumed product distribution responsibilities as of October 25. In addition, certain Ligand personnel are being offered employment by Eisai.

Oncology is one of Eisai's long-standing therapeutic areas of focus, supporting the company's human health care mission to satisfy unmet medical needs and increase benefits to patients and their families. Per Eisai's 5th mid-term business plan, the "Dramatic Leap Plan," the acquisition of these four oncology-related products will help serve to establish Eisai's oncology business as the company prepares for the introduction of its own pipeline products.