Aquestive Therapeutics and Haisco Pharmaceutical partner for riluzole in China.

Around 85% of ALS patients suffer from a progressive loss of bulbar functionality

Aquestive Therapeutics announced the execution of a License, Development and Supply Agreement with Haisco Pharmaceutical Group based in China for Haisco to develop and exclusively commercialize Exservan (riluzole oral film) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in China.

Around 85% of ALS patients suffer from a progressive loss of bulbar functionality. Swallowing food and liquids becomes more difficult over time. While most patients initiate on riluzole, some choose to discontinue treatment at various points in the disease progression due to an inability to swallow a tablet. Exservan is designed to provide a meaningful treatment option, using Aquestive’s orally administered PharmFilm dosage form, to patients and caregivers. It alleviates the need for swallowing a tablet and water, while having a negligible impact on the volume and viscosity of normal saliva.

“This agreement with Haisco will allow ALS patients in China to access Exservan, a riluzole oral film, which will provide a meaningful treatment option to those who have to discontinue their treatment because of difficulties swallowing a tablet. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to design patient-preferred medicines for their safety, efficacy, and ease of use,” remarked Keith Kendall, Chief Executive Officer of Aquestive.

Pursuant to the agreement, Haisco will lead the regulatory and commercialization activities for Exservan in China. Aquestive will serve as the exclusive sole manufacturer and supplier for the product. Aquestive will receive a US $ 7million upfront cash payment, regulatory milestone payments, and double-digit royalties on net sales of Exservan in China, and will earn manufacturing revenue as the exclusive supplier of Exservan.