JORDAN – Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC has signed a new strategic partnership and exclusive licensing agreement with SK Biopharmaceuticals to sell central nervous system (CNS) and oncology drugs in the Middle East and North Africa.
This exclusive partnership agreement is focused on the commercialisation and manufacture of SK Biopharmaceuticals’ current and future pipeline of innovative products in the MENA region.
SK Biopharmaceuticals is part of a global biotech company focused on the development of treatments for central nervous system disorders and oncology.
Commenting on the strategic alliance with SK Biopharmaceuticals, Mazen Darwazah, Vice Chairman and President for the MENA region at Hikma, said: “This agreement gives us access to a strong pipeline of innovative products in CNS and oncology.”
Under the new agreement, Hikma has gained priority rights for the commercialisation and manufacture of SK Biopharmaceuticals’ innovative drugs in 17 MENA countries.
This exclusive licensing agreement governs the relationship between the two companies for the next 20 years beginning on the first day of commercialisation of the first product.
“SK Biopharmaceuticals also aims to expand from small molecule targeted therapy into biologics and we are excited to be their partner to ensure patients’ access to these innovative therapies in the MENA markets,” stated Mazen Darwazah.
As part of the agreement, Hikma will gain exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialise SK Biopharmaceuticals’ first pipeline product, cenobamate, in different markets in the MENA countries.
The strategic decision follows SK Biopharmaceuticals’ expansion into North America, Northeast Asia, and Latin America in line with efforts to boost patient access to cenobamate worldwide.
Underscoring the significance of this collaboration, Darwazah noted: “This agreement will further expand our market presence in CNS and oncology, which are two strategic areas of focus for our company with a high unmet need in the MENA region.”
Cenobamate is an anti-seizure medication approved in the United States for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and is available under the brand name XCOPRI (cenobamate tablets) CV.
Cenobamate is also approved in the European Union and the United Kingdom and is marketed by Angelini Pharma under the brand name ONTOZRY.
Additionally, Ono Pharmaceutical and Ignis Therapeutics have the rights to develop and commercialize cenobamate in Japan and the Greater China region, respectively.
The global central nervous system drugs market is expected to reach US$210.95 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 4.2%, according to an evidence-based report published by the Business Research Company.
Some of the MENA countries covered in the central nervous system drugs market report are Egypt, Israel, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria are identified as the three biggest epilepsy markets, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the total in the MENA region.
Bearing this in mind, Hikma will be responsible for the clinical development and commercialization of SK Biopharmaceuticals’ anti-seizure medication cenobamate in markets in the MENA countries.
On his part, Donghoon Lee, Chief Executive Officer of SK Biopharmaceuticals commented: “This strategic partnership in the MENA region is part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best treatment option to patients worldwide. We will continue to work with our international partners to make a meaningful impact on their lives through cenobamate.”
For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.
