International law firm Simmons & Simmons has advised leading Japanese pharmaceutical company, Eisai Co., Ltd. (“Eisai”) on an agreement to license its product E6005 (a selective PDE4 inhibitor) to Roivant Sciences Ltd. (“Roivant”).

Under the agreement, Eisai will grant Roivant an exclusive worldwide licence (including Japan) concerning the research, development, manufacture and marketing of E6005. Currently, E6005 is at the Phase II clinical trial stage for atopic dermatitis in Japan, and Roivant will conduct research and development. Furthermore, according to the agreement, Eisai will receive a one-time upfront payment from Roivant, and will also receive milestone payments in line with future development progress as well as specified royalty payments aftermarket launch.

Simmons & Simmons was able to bring together the necessary commercial, IP and regulatory skills within a team to support across four time zones to complete the deal within an extremely tight time frame. The team’s ability to identify and focus on the principal commercial drivers of the agreement, drawing on 25 years of licensing expertise, was a key aspect of the transaction.

Commenting on the transaction, partners Jason Daniel and Richard Binns said: "We are delighted to have advised Eisai in connection with the licensing of this innovative technology. By combining our international life sciences capability with our thorough understanding of the environment in which Eisai operates, we were able to assist in navigating complex commercial, IP and regulatory questions to reach agreement quickly."

Commenting on the transaction, Eisai’s Shin Kato, Senior Counsel said: "This licensing deal will allow Eisai to maximize the value of the compound and accelerate its development. The support provided by Simmons & Simmons was invaluable and much appreciated. Jason, Richard, Lydia and Anthony’s experience of the pharmaceutical sector was key to us completing this deal in a timely manner."

The Simmons & Simmons team comprised Jason Daniel (Corporate and Commercial) and Richard Binns (IP), assisted by Lydia Torne (IP) and Anthony Hague (Disputes).