China-based Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals has announced that its in-licensed drug Tavalisse (fostamatinib) has been first prescribed at the Hainan branch of Shanghai’s Ruijin Hospital. This marks a significant milestone in the availability of the oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor for the treatment of immunization thrombocytopenia (ITP) in China.
Background and Development
Fostamatinib, developed by US-based Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NDSQ: RIGL), was first approved in the United States in May 2018 under the trade name Tavalisse for the treatment of chronic ITP patients who were unresponsive to previous treatments. Since then, the drug has gained market approvals in the EU, Canada, and other markets, establishing its efficacy and safety profile globally.
Licensing and Market Expansion
In October 2018, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. entered into a USD 210 million licensing deal with Rigel, acquiring development and commercialization rights to fostamatinib in Japan, Greater China, and South Korea. Building on this strategic move, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. signed another licensing deal with Inmagene in August 2021, granting Inmagene exclusive development and commercialization rights to fostamatinib for the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. This series of licensing agreements has paved the way for the drug’s introduction and expansion in key Asian markets, with the first prescription in China signifying the beginning of its clinical application in the region.-Fineline Info & Tech
