Amgen, Astellas announce Japan alliance

US-based Amgen and Tokyo-based Astellas have announced an alliance to provide new medicines to help address serious unmet medical needs of Japanese patients.

The two companies will first focus on co-developing and co-commercializing five of Amgen's medicines in Japan. These five medicines include cardiovascular and bone diseases and cancer treatments that are currently in phase 1 or 2 clinical trials in Japan. The first potential commercial launch is expected as early as 2016.

"Through this alliance, Amgen will work closely with Astellas to leverage its extensive knowledge of the local market. With Astellas' strong capabilities and excellent reputation, this alliance will help accelerate development and commercialization of Amgen medicines for patients in Japan. This alliance reflects our long-term commitment to the Japan market and is an important step in our global expansion efforts."

Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen.

The second element of the alliance is the establishment of a Tokyo-based joint venture company, called Amgen Astellas BioPharma KK. This JV company is expected to begin operating on 1st October 2013. Amgen will initially own 51%, with the aim of fully owning the company by 2020.

"We look forward to entering this alliance with Amgen and believe it will strengthen our pipeline to address unmet medical needs, as well as enable us to obtain growth drivers. We will work closely with Amgen to build the joint venture, which will provide innovative medicines to patients in Japan."

Yoshihiko Hatanaka, president and CEO of Astellas.