Source – Gilead Sciences
According to Kite Pharma on June 22, 2023, the marketing authorization for Yescarta, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, has been transferred from Daiichi Sankyo to Gilead Sciences K.K, the Japan division of Gilead Sciences.
This comes after a statement made by Daiichi Sankyo and Kite Pharma, in December 2022 on modifications to their first agreement, which began in 2017 and saw Daiichi Sankyo gain the Yescarta Marketing Authorization. With the transfer of the marketing authorization being complete, Gilead Sciences K.K. ‘s Kite Cell Therapy Business Unit will now oversee Yescarta’s sales and marketing initiatives in Japan.
“As the global leader in cell therapy, we appreciate the opportunity and responsibility of bringing this innovative treatment to as many eligible patients as possible who may . benefit“We are pleased that we are able to fully leverage our manufacturing expertise and commercialization capabilities to meet increasing demand and maximize the potential of this important therapy for patients in Japan.”
– Cindy Perettie, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Kite
There are now six hospitals in Japan that are authorized to provide the therapy, with many more expected before the end of the year. The first Yescarta treatment center in Japan was approved in December 2021. The Japanese regulatory authorities have given Kite’s production plant in El Segundo, California, the go-ahead to produce Yescarta for the Japanese market, and it started supplying the drug early this year.
“We are rapidly building a diverse pipeline in oncology, from antibody-drug conjugates and small molecules to cell therapy-based approaches. We look forward to advancing new treatments in oncology with the potential to positively impact the lives of people with cancer in Japan.”
– Kennet Brysting, General Manager of Gilead Sciences K.K
