Curatis and Neupharma Secure Licensing Deal for Corticorelin in Japan
Liestal, Switzerland and Tokyo, Japan – March 11, 2026 – Curatis Holding AG (SIX: CURN) and Neupharma Co., Ltd. Have announced an exclusive licensing and development agreement for corticorelin (C-PTBE-01) to treat peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) in Japan. This collaboration aims to bring a new targeted therapy to a patient population with significant unmet needs.
Addressing a Critical Unmet Need
Peritumoral brain edema, a condition associated with brain tumors, currently lacks approved targeted therapies. Neupharma will be responsible for developing and commercializing corticorelin in Japan, initiating a pivotal clinical trial to support regulatory approval. The agreement highlights the potential of corticorelin to address a significant medical challenge, particularly as PTBE is a tumor-associated condition with limited treatment options.
Financial Details of the Agreement
The licensing agreement includes substantial financial incentives for Curatis. The company is poised to receive upfront and milestone payments totaling up to CHF 83.5 million, along with royalties on future sales in Japan, potentially reaching up to 20%.
Market Potential and Patient Population
The estimated patient population eligible for corticorelin treatment in Japan is approximately 60,000, while the global patient base is estimated at 500,000. The global market potential for corticorelin is forecasted to exceed USD 1 billion annually. Neupharma’s expertise in developing and commercializing both orphan drugs and specialty care medicines in Japan, including a blockbuster drug, positions them well to successfully introduce corticorelin to the market.
Corticorelin and Future Plans
Corticorelin is initially planned for use in children and adolescents in Japan. Neupharma is scheduled to initiate a pivotal clinical trial in 2027. The collaboration leverages Neupharma’s strong presence in the Japanese pharmaceutical market and Curatis’ focus on rare diseases and specialty care.
About Curatis and Neupharma
Curatis Holding AG is a pharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases and specialty care.
Neupharma Co., Ltd. is a Japanese pharmaceutical company specializing in oncology, immunology, pulmonology and cardiology disorders.
Source: BioSpace, FinanzWire, Sharewise