Sun Pharma Subsidiary and Aclaris Therapeutics Inks Licensing Pact

As per exchange filing, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc., a subsidiary of India's leading medicine manufacturer Sun Pharma, has entered into a licensing arrangement with Aclaris Therapeutics Inc.

Based on the licensing agreement, Aclaris has granted exclusive rights to Sun Pharma under certain patents for the use of deuruxolitinib, Sun Pharma's JAK inhibitor, or other isotopic forms of ruxolitinib, to treat alopecia areata (AA) or androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The agreement includes an upfront payment of $15 million, regulatory and commercial milestones and royalties, as per cnbctv18

Aclaris Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical business specializing in the development of new therapeutics for immuno-inflammatory illnesses. Sun Pharma acquired Concert Pharma earlier this year, and deuruxolitinib, a potential best-in-class JAK inhibitor, became part of its portfolio.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune illness that causes the immune system to assault hair follicles, resulting in partial or total hair loss on the scalp and body. During their lifetime, up to 2.5% of the US and global population may be affected by the disease. The scalp is the most commonly affected location, however, any hair-bearing site can be affected separately or in conjunction with the scalp. There are currently few therapy alternatives accessible for the same.

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically defined condition caused by an overreaction to androgens. According to the National Institute of Health, this disorder affects up to 50% of boys and girls and is characterized by progressive loss of terminal hair on the scalp at any point after puberty. Sun Pharma reported 11% year-on-year revenue growth in the September quarter, while US generic sales of $420 million exceeded expectations of $410 million. Specialty sales of $240 million met expectations.