Roivant Sciences and ArQule enter into License Agreement for Derazantinib in China

Roivant Sciences and ArQule announced the initiation of a collaboration to pursue the development of derazantinib, a pan-FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor) inhibitor, in Greater China. As part of the collaboration, ArQule has granted a Roivant subsidiary an exclusive license to develop and commercialize derazantinib in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Deal terms include an upfront payment to ArQule of $3 million and an additional $2.5 million development milestone within the first year. ArQule is also eligible for regulatory and commercial milestones and royalties on future sales of derazantinib in Greater China.

ArQule is currently conducting a registrational trial for derazantinib in the United States and Europe as a potential treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), a form of biliary tract cancer. The People’s Republic of China has one of the world’s highest incidences of iCCA, where it is the second most common form of liver cancer. Roivant intends to pursue the development of derazantinib in China for the treatment of iCCA while also pursuing further development in other tumor types with high rates of FGFR mutation.

“Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating form of cancer, and there are no approved therapies globally,” said Vivek Ramaswamy, Founder and CEO of Roivant Sciences. “The prevalence of this disease is exceptionally high in China and we will do our part to further the development of derazantinib in that region.”

“We are pleased with Roivant’s commitment to develop derazantinib in China, where the need for novel therapies is so pressing,” said Paolo Pucci, CEO of ArQule. “We share their commitment to ensuring broad geographic access to new medicines, and we look forward to developing derazantinib in iCCA and other FGFR-driven cancers.”