JAPAN'S ASTELLAS BUYS RIGHTS TO SELL CONSTIPATION DRUG IN ASIA

Posted on: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:39:00 EST


Symbols: ALPMF
TOKYO, Nov 11, 2009 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) --
ALPMF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE:4503)
said Tuesday it has acquired from U.S. bioventure Ironwood
Pharmaceuticals Inc. exclusive rights to develop and sell a
constipation treatment in six Asian countries, including
Japan.

The drug, linaclotide, is in the final phase of clinical
testing in the U.S. and is believed to be effective for
treating irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.

Astellas will pay up to US$75 million, or about 6.75 billion
yen, including a US$30 million licensing fee, during
development. In addition, the drugmaker will pay royalties on
sales.

The rights also cover Indonesia, South Korea, the
Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.

(Nikkei) bl

For full details on (ALPMF) ALPMF. (ALPMF) has Short Term PowerRatings at TradingMarkets. Details on (ALPMF) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Learn new strategies, how to trade in this market, and the stocks you should be focusing on each day. Join us for our free 20 minute tele-seminars during the week.
Thursday February 11 04:30 PM
* Attendance is strictly limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.