Ajinomoto, Albireo partner in Asia for elobixibat

Albireo AB (Gothenburg, Sweden) granted Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) exclusive rights to develop and commercialize gastrointestinal compound elobixibat ( A3309) in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Albireo will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestones, plus tiered, double-digit royalties. Details were not disclosed.

In 2010, the inhibitor of ileal Na+ bile acid cotransporter ( IBAT; SLC10A2) met the primary endpoint in a Phase IIb trial for chronic constipation. Phase III testing is slated to begin this year (see BioCentury Extra, Oct. 12, 2010). ...