JCR Pharma secures Japan rights for Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug givinostat

JCR Pharmaceuticals has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Italfarmaco S.p.A. for the development and commercialization of givinostat, a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), in Japan. This deal grants JCR Pharmaceuticals the sole commercialization rights for givinostat (marketed as Duvyzat in the US and Europe) in Japan and tasks them with regulatory approval and clinical development. Givinostat, an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor, is approved in multiple countries but not yet in Japan.

The agreement extends beyond givinostat to a broader strategic partnership focused on exploring joint opportunities in rare disease therapies. This collaboration aims to expand access to givinostat and enhance contributions to the rare disease sector, leveraging JCR Pharmaceuticals' innovation and focus on patient-centric science in Japan.

JCR Pharmaceuticals' president and chairman, Makoto Ashida, emphasized that this partnership marks a significant step in the company's growth trajectory and could lead to future research, development, and cross-licensing opportunities. The financial impact of this agreement on JCR Pharmaceuticals’ consolidated results for the fiscal year ending March 2026 is currently under review.