Chugai Pharmaceutical to Acquire Renalys Pharma

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has made a firm deal to buy Renalys Pharma, Inc. This Tokyo biotech firm focuses on treating chronic kidney diseases. Chugai has exclusive rights to develop and sell sparsentan. This therapy treats IgA nephropathy. It’ll be available in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Sparsentan, made by Travere Therapeutics, is approved in the U.S. and Europe. Renalys Pharma, founded to address Asia’s “drug lag,” recently completed data collection for its Japan Phase III trial, with topline results expected in late 2025. The acquisition will accelerate regional access to sparsentan and strengthen Chugai’s presence in nephrology and rare diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Chugai will make an upfront cash payment of JPY 15 billion, with potential earn-outs of up to JPY 16 billion linked to regulatory milestones and sales performance.

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Renalys CEO BT Slingsby stated that the partnership “scales the company’s mission to eliminate Asia’s drug lag,” while 中外製薬’s expertise will ensure faster patient access across the region.