Nxera joins bid to find new homes for orphan drugs
The Alliance comprises 12 member companies and provides access to approximately 200 million rare disease patients across 156 countries. Nxera will represent WODA in Japan and South Korea.
Through the Alliance and its global networks, Nxera will gain access to a pipeline of novel medicines targeting rare or orphan diseases as potential licensing opportunities (with no obligation) for its late clinical stage and commercialisation operations in Japan and South Korea.
Economic terms would be determined on an individual basis should Nxera decide to in-license any product opportunities identified through the Alliance.
WODA chair Patrick Jordan said: “Orphan drugs for rare diseases and oncology are just the tip of the iceberg of today's needs. For the over 6.2 billion people in the vast area covered by WODA, we want to do everything we can to play a central role in their individual journeys to access new and future therapies.
“Nxera Pharma was a logical partner for Japan and South Korea given its depth of experience in these markets and helps round out our Asian offering.”
Chris Cargill, President & CEO of Nxera Pharma, said: “People with rare or orphan diseases in Japan and South Korea deserve better access to effective, life-changing medicines. At Nxera Pharma we are committed to delivering this and I am confident that being part of this global alliance will support our collective mission to provide the best new therapies to patients in need.”
Nxera has appointed Japan Pharma sector specialist Patrick Branch as head of business development for Japan and the APAC region. Based in Tokyo, Branch will oversee disease area strategy, search and evaluation plus transition activities across his territory.
He was formerly a partner and senior member of the global life sciences practice at L.E.K. Consulting in Japan. He directed strategic consulting projects for the firm’s biopharma, medtech, healthcare and private equity clients. He advised executive teams in hundreds of engagements in the territory and the US on growth and other issues including M&A.
Chris Cargill said Branch would spearhead a drive for more life changing medicines in fast-growing markets across the region.