Eisai Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) and Eisai, Inc. (New Jersey, USA) have signed a U.S. $205 million product acquisition agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: LGND; California, USA) where Eisai obtained exclusive global rights for ONTAK® (denileukin diftitox) (a pdf file), Targretin® (bexarotene) capsules (a pdf file), Targretin® (bexarotene) gel 1% (a pdf file) and Panretin® (alitretinoin) gel 0.1% (a pdf file).
Eisai’s strategic acquisition of these oncology-related products will help serve to establish the company’s global oncology business, per its 5th mid-term business plan, the "Dramatic Leap Plan."
Proven by the company's research and development, marketing and sales force preparations and business development activities, oncology is one of Eisai's long-standing therapeutic areas of focus.
According to Lonnel Coats, President and COO of Eisai Inc.(15723356):
"We believe that Eisai has a promising future in oncology and that the acquisition of these products, as well as the valuable expertise and experience of those Ligand personnel to whom employment will be offered, is a well-planned approach to market entry.
In addition, our strategic focus in oncology helps fulfill our human health care mission to satisfy unmet medical needs and increase benefits to patients and their families."
The said transaction, expected to close before the end of this year, is still subject to government approvals.
Source: Eisai Co., Ltd. (OTC: ESALY)
Comment Preview