Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Osaka University Enter Exclusive License Agreement

Otsuka Pharmaceutical announced on April 15, 2022 that it has entered an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Osaka University to use R8H283, a novel antibody that recognizes the CD98 heavy chain identified by Osaka University, in its pharmaceutical and medical products.

An Osaka University research group led by Professor Naoki Hosen (Department of Hematology and Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine) identified R8H283 as an anti-CD98 heavy chain antibody. CD98 heavy chain is a protein expressed in a wide range of tissues, but R8H283 specifically binds to multiple myeloma. R8H283 was shown to have significant anti-tumor effects in an animal model study, Osaka University announced in February 2022.

Under the terms of the agreement, Otsuka will make an upfront payment, development and sales-milestone payments, and sales royalties to Osaka University. Otsuka will utilize R8H283 exclusively to perform non-clinical research, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

"R8H283, a unique multiple myeloma-specific antibody, has the potential to be applied not only to antibody drugs but also to various other medical products, including CAR-T cells,” said Professor Naoki Hosen in a press release. “In addition, this antibody could be applicable to other types of cancer. We believe that this agreement is very important in bringing these products to patients as soon as possible. We will continue our efforts to conduct research that will be useful in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer."

Source: Otsuka