Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma), the
multinational pharmaceutical company, today announces a new strategic partnership and
exclusive licensing agreement with SK Biopharmaceuticals, a global biotech company
focused on the development of treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and
oncology, for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Under the terms of the agreement, Hikma will have priority rights for the commercialisation
and manufacture of SK Biopharmaceuticals’ current and future pipeline of innovative
products for 17 countries in the MENA region. The term of the agreement is for 20 years
from the commercialisation of the first product. In addition, Hikma will have the exclusive
rights to manufacture and commercialise SK Biopharmaceuticals’ first pipeline product,
cenobamate, an innovative anti-seizure medication for patients with epilepsy, in MENA
markets.
Commenting on this agreement, Mazen Darwazah, Hikma’s Executive Vice Chairman and
President of MENA, said: “This agreement gives us access to a strong pipeline of innovative
products in CNS and oncology, two strategic areas of focus for us with a high unmet need in
the MENA region. SK Biopharmaceuticals also aims to expand from small molecule targeted
therapy into biologics and we are excited to be their partner to ensure patients’ access to these
innovative therapies in MENA.”
