Eisai and Seikagaku Enter into Agreement for the Marketing Alliance of SI-613, a Treatment of Osteoarthritis, in South Korea

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Seikagaku Corporation announced that the companies have entered into an agreement for the marketing alliance in South Korea for SI-613 (diclofenac conjugated sodium hyaluronate), a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis discovered by Seikagaku. Eisai and Seikagaku signed an agreement for the co-development and marketing alliance in China of SI-613 on April 1, 2020. Thus, South Korea becomes the second country for the companies to conclude the marketing alliance for SI-613.

On the basis of this agreement, Eisai Korea Inc., Eisai’s subsidiary in South Korea, will acquire exclusive marketing rights for SI-613 in South Korea and apply for the manufacturing and marketing approval thereof. After obtaining approval, Seikagaku will supply products to Eisai, and Eisai will be responsible for distribution. Eisai will pay Seikagaku the upfront payment and sales milestones.

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by the articular cartilage damage due to aging and other factors, leading to inflammation and pain, which result in impaired quality of life (QOL). Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent cases among the diseases thereof, and the number of patients with knee osteoarthritis in South Korea is estimated to be approximately 3.2 million. It is anticipated that the number will continue to increase as the population ages.

SI-613 is diclofenac conjugated sodium hyaluronate created by Seikagaku using their proprietary drug-binding technology to chemically bond hyaluronic acid and diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory drug). This material has the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of diclofenac, which is designed to be sustained-released by a drug delivery system, in addition to the joint function improving effect of sodium hyaluronate. Hence, it is expected that SI-613 rapidly and continuously reduces the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Under this agreement, Eisai aims to meet the unmet medical needs of patients with knee osteoarthritis by utilizing the knowledge and networks that Eisai has cultivated through its Korea business. Seikagaku will seek to maximize the value of SI-613 in South Korea by leveraging Eisai’s business base in South Korea.

Through the commercialization of SI-613, the companies will provide new treatment options in South Korea for knee osteoarthritis and contribute to improving the QOL of patients.