Dr Reddy's inks licensing pact for Eisai's investigational anticancer agent E7777

 
Raghav Chari, executive vice president, proprietary products group, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, commented, “The collaboration between DRL and Eisai is a tremendous win-win. E7777 has significant potential as an important component of systemic therapy for CTCL (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). This therapy represents an extension of our current efforts in the dermatology space to an important segment of skin-related cancers.”
 
E7777 is a fusion protein that combines the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent specifically binds to IL-2 receptors on the cell surface, causing diphtheria toxins that have entered cells to inhibit protein synthesis. A phase II clinical study of the agent in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma or peripheral T-cell lymphoma is currently underway in Japan. Preparations are simultaneously in progress for a phase III clinical study of the agent in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in the US.

 
Terushige Iike, chief product creation officer of Eisai Product Creation Systems, said, “This agreement aligns with Eisai's drive to contribute to patients in our focused field of oncology as quickly as possible. Eisai and Dr Reddy's will conduct development in their respective territories, and by working to accelerate and maximise contribution to patients, we hope to launch treatments that will fulfil the diverse needs of, and bring about benefits for, patients with cancer and their families."