RE: Rns23 Sep 2024 07:35
Commercial Opportunity in Japan
There is a two-fold commercial significance to the granting of the MK cell patent in Japan. Firstly, the Japan patent enables the opportunity to licence the MK cells to Japan Big Pharma companies for the Japan market alone, where the Roquefort Therapeutics' Board has extensive experience of working and partnering (including with Big Pharma companies such as Daiichi Sankyo, Astellas and Chughai).
Secondly, the granted Japan patent allows the Company to access an accelerated route-to-market for promising cellular medicines in Japan. The accelerated designation not only speeds up drug development, but also the market approval (MAA) assessment. The attractive benefit package that this designation confers includes market approval granted based on Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials if safety is confirmed[iii]. This may significantly increase the value of cellular medicines as this enables a cheaper and faster route to market.