Shionogi Deal Opens Asia To Sage’s Fast-Acting Antidepressant

Japan’s Shionogi has gained selected Asian rights to Sage’s promising fast-acting depression drug, in a deal worth up to $575m to the US company.

Human brain illustrated with millions of small nerves - Conceptual 3d render
ASIA DEAL FOR SAGE'S NOVEL ANTIDEPRESSANT • Source: Shutterstock

US company SAGE Therapeutics Inc. has struck the first licensing-out deal for its novel Phase II depression candidate SAGE-217, granting Japan’s Shionogi & Co. Ltd. exclusive development and commercialization rights in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea for $90m upfront.

The agreement will open up potential Asian markets to the fast-acting, once-daily oral therapy, which holds out the promise of...

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