Japanses firms Eisai Co., Ltd. and Seikagaku Corporation have announced that the companies have entered into an agreement for the co-development and marketing alliance in China for SI-613 (diclofenac conjugated sodium hyaluronate), a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis discovered by Seikagaku.

On the basis of this agreement, the companies will jointly develop SI-613 in China for a treatment of knee osteoarthritis. After obtaining approval, Seikagaku will supply products to Eisai, and Eisai will be responsible for distribution.

The companies will cover an equal share of the development cost, and Eisai will pay Seikagaku the upfront payment, and development as well as sales milestones.

Under this agreement, Eisai aims to contribute to patients with knee osteoarthritis that is unmet medical needs by utilizing the knowledge and networks that Eisai has cultivated through its China business. Seikagaku will seek to maximize the value of SI-613 in China by leveraging Eisai's business base in China.

Through the development and commercialization of SI-613, the companies will provide new treatment options in China for knee osteoarthritis and contribute to improving the quality of life of patients.