Daiichi Sankyo Company has announced a collaboration with Kyukyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to commercialize generic transdermal fentanyl citrate patches for long-acting cancer pain relief.

The fentanyl citrate patches are a once-daily transdermal opioid analgesic for treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain, and are a generic formulation of Fentos Tape.

Kyukyu Pharmaceutical is currently applying for marketing authorization from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Following the successful obtainment of that authorization, Kyukyu Pharmaceutical will handle manufacturing, and Daiichi Sankyo will handle marketing and promotion activities, for this product.

Daiichi Sankyo expects that the commercialization of generic transdermal fentanyl citrate patches will help to expand our product lineup of opioid analgesics and will offer a novel treatment option to cancer patients and healthcare providers in Japan.