Array BioPharma and Ono Pharmaceutical announced a license, development and commercialization partnership for Array's late-stage novel oncology compounds, binimetinib and encorafenib. As a result of this agreement, Ono will receive rights to develop and commercialize binimetinib and encorafenib in Japan and South Korea. Binimetinib, a MEK inhibitor, and encorafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, are currently in two global Phase 3 trials, for the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma (COLUMBUS) and BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer (BEACON CRC).
Under the terms of the agreement, Array will receive an upfront payment of $31.6 million and retains exclusive commercialization rights for binimetinib and encorafenib in the United States, Canada and Israel. Array is entitled to receive up to an additional $156 million if certain development and commercial milestones are achieved. A portion of these milestones is related to the Phase 3 BEACON CRC trial. In addition, Array will be eligible for robust, tiered, double-digit royalties based on product sales in Japan and South Korea. Ono will obtain the right to conduct clinical trials of binimetinib and encorafenib in Japan and South Korea, as well as participate in all future global development of binimetinib and encorafenib by contributing 12 percent of those future costs.
"In Ono, we selected a market leader in immuno-oncology with a rapidly growing product portfolio and recent track record of successful development and commercialization in Japan," Ron Squarer, Chief Executive Officer, Array BioPharma said. "This partnership allows us to remain focused on commercializing binimetinib and encorafenib in the US, while benefiting from Ono's clear expertise in these key markets."
"We are very delighted to collaborate on binimetinib and encorafenib with Array, a leading company with proven and successful experience in research and development of molecularly targeted therapy," Gyo Sagara, President, Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ono said. "These two compounds have shown promising efficacy and safety in the previous clinical trials and we believe that both compounds can be a new therapeutic option as a combination therapy for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma, BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer and beyond."
Binimetinib and encorafenib are investigational medicines and are not currently approved in any country.