Janssen Biotech and Astellas Pharma have entered into a license agreement for the worldwide development and commercialization (except in Japan) of ASP015K, an oral, small molecule Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor currently in Phase II development as a treatment for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and plaque psoriasis.
 
Janssen, a J&J subsidiary, gains exclusive worldwide rights to ASP015K for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Astellas will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for future milestone and royalty payments. Astellas will be responsible for completing Phase II studies. Janssen will be responsible for all other development, clinical and regulatory filing activities in its territories. Astellas will continue development and commercialization of ASP015K in Japan.
 
“Janssen has a heritage of innovation and delivering transformative medicines to address unmet needs in immunologic diseases,” said Susan Dillon, Ph.D., global therapeutic area head, Immunology, Janssen R&D, LLC. “We are committed to expanding the portfolio of new treatments for patients with serious immune-mediated diseases and are excited to add Astellas’ ASP015K to our pipeline.”