Ono Pharmaceutical and Vertex Announce Strategic Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Povetacicept in Japan and South Korea
OSAKA, Japan & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 23, 2025--
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President and COO: Toichi Takino; 'Ono') and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Headquarters: Boston, MA, U.S.; CEO: Reshma Kewalramani, M.D.; 'Vertex') today announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of Vertex's povetacicept in Japan and South Korea.
Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines with best-in-class potential being studied for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) and other serious B cell-mediated diseases.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ono will pay Vertex an upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties. Ono will utilize its extensive development expertise to help advance Vertex's clinical trials for povetacicept and will be responsible for obtaining marketing authorizations in Japan and South Korea. Following approval, Ono will be solely responsible for commercializing povetacicept in these regions. The agreement includes povetacicept for both IgAN and pMN, with the potential to add other indications.
'Vertex has a strong track record of developing innovative therapies for serious diseases. Through this strategic partnership, we can strengthen our late-stage pipeline in the immunology field, which is a key focus area for Ono,' said Toichi Takino, Representative Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ono. 'We look forward to collaborating with Vertex to provide this new therapeutic option for patients with IgAN and other autoimmune diseases in Japan and South Korea, and to maximize the value of this treatment.'
'Ono is a proven leader in Japan and South Korea, bringing established local relationships, infrastructure, and nephrology expertise that make them a perfect partner for Vertex as we look to deliver povetacicept to the thousands of potential patients in these countries,' said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex. 'We are very pleased to partner with Ono and look forward to close collaboration as we continue to advance this potentially best-in-class treatment for IgAN, pMN and other serious B cell-mediated diseases.'
The Phase 3 clinical trial is underway in multiple regions, including the U.S., EU and Asia. Specifically, Japanese and South Korean regulatory authorities have approved the Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for RAINIER, where the Phase 3 trial is underway.
Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
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CONTACT: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
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KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES SOUTH KOREA ASIA PACIFIC JAPAN MASSACHUSETTS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY HEALTH GENETICS PHARMACEUTICAL CLINICAL TRIALS
SOURCE: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Copyright Business Wire 2025.
PUB: 06/23/2025 04:00 AM/DISC: 06/23/2025 04:02 AM
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