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Asahi Kasei Pharma licenses fasudil to Woolsey Pharmaceuticals

November 25, 2019
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.

Asahi Kasei Pharma has concluded a license agreement with Woolsey Pharmaceuticals, granting Woolsey the exclusive right to develop and commercialize any formulations (other than ophthalmic and injectable forms) of fasudil hydrochloride hydrate, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, in the USA, Europe, and all other territories outside of Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Fasudil is a Rho-kinase inhibitor having a unique mechanism of action. As the functions of Rho-kinase become increasingly clear, it is expected that fasudil may be effective for many medical conditions. As Asahi Kasei Pharma’s licensee, Woolsey will initially focus on the development of fasudil for rare neurodegenerative diseases.

An injectable formulation of fasudil hydrochloride is currently available in Japan and China for the improvement of cerebral vasospasm and associated cerebral ischemic symptoms following surgery for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Asahi Kasei Pharma hopes that its license agreement with Woolsey will enable fasudil to contribute to the treatment of rare neurodegenerative diseases for the benefit of more patients around the world.

Outline of the license

Product
Fasudil formulations other than ophthalmic and injectable forms
Medical indications
All indications other than stroke and coronary artery disease
Licensed rights
Rights to develop and manufacture, and exclusive rights to market, worldwide excluding Japan, South Korea, China (including Hong Kong and Macao), and Taiwan

Profile of Woolsey Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Establishment
2019 (privately held)
CEO
Sven Jacobson
Location
New York, USA
Operations
Specialized in the development of previously approved drugs for new indications