Sydney, Australia (CU)_ Specialised Therapeutics Asia Pte Ltd (ST) will team up with Incyte Biosciences International Sà rl, which is Incyte’s affiliate based in Swiss, to introduce and market two new medications in its haematology and oncology portfolios: They are tafasitamab, which is marketed in the United States as Monjuvi® and in Europe as Minjuvi®, and pemigatinib, which is marketed as Pemazyre®. As part of the deal, Incyte will be in charge of product development, manufacturing, and distribution, while ST will be in charge of regulatory, distribution, and local marketing efforts in Australian, New Zealand, and Singapore markets.
Pemigatinib is licensed in the United States, Europe, and Japan for treating adult patients who are suffering from locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and who have a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or rearrangement that have progressed following at least one prior line of systemic therapy. Patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are unable to undergo autologous stem cell transplantation can now benefit from tafasitamab combined with lenalidomide, which has been licensed by the FDA in the United States and Europe for the treatment of ASCT.
According to Mr Carlo Montagner, Chief Executive Officer of ST, the new treatments complement the company’s established cancer and haematology portfolios, and that the new arrangement demonstrates ST’s regional strengths. Montagner expressed pride over the partnership with one of the top companies of the nation. He said, “We are proud to have been selected to partner with a world-leading biotech of Incyte’s calibre and look forward to these important products in our key regions”.
Montagner spoke about the company’s goal and how this partnership will help them achieve it. He said, “Both pemigatinib and tafasitamab address strong unmet needs in rare patient populations. We have extensive experience and a successful track record of working with clinicians and other stakeholders to bring innovative therapies to small patient populations where there is high unmet clinical need. Our teams look forward to working closely with Incyte to ensure all eligible patients have access to these therapies at the earliest opportunity.”
According to Hervé Hoppenot, CEO of Incyte, the new partnership offers a significant strategic opportunity to continue serving the global cancer community by providing breakthrough new medications to Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore patients who are unable to access significant medical treatments. He expressed delight and confidence over the new collaboration. He said, “ST’s expertise in these regions, navigating complex regulatory channels to bring new therapies and technologies to patients with rare cancers, is complementary to our own commitment to positively impact the lives of patients with serious unmet medical needs”. He added, “We look forward to a successful and mutually beneficial partnership, working together with a shared goal of improving patient outcomes.” Both products are now undergoing regulatory review.
