Supply deal commercializes oral film formulation of riluzole for ALS

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America and Aquestive Therapeutics announced a licensing and supply deal for U.S. rights to commercialize an oral film formulation of riluzole for the treatment of ALS, according to a press release.

Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America (MTPA) will commercialize riluzole (exservan, Aquestive Pharmaceuticals) in the United States and Aquestive Therapeutics will serve as the product’s sole manufacturer and supplier. MTPA will make riluzole available to patients by the middle of 2021, according to the release.

Aquestive Therapeutics developed the oral film formulation of riluzole using its PharmFilm drug delivery technology. The oral film is placed on a patient’s tongue and dissolves without the ingestion of liquids or food. The FDA approved this formulation of riluzole in November 2019.

“This licensing deal will enable us to bring patients a riluzole oral film designed to address the needs of people with ALS, including those who have difficulties swallowing some medications,” Atsushi Fujimoto, president of MTPA, said in the release.

Reference:

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America and Aquestive Therapeutics announce US licensing and supply deal for riluzole oral film for ALS treatment. Available at: https://www.mt-pharma-america.com/2021/01/21/mitsubishi-tanabe-pharma-america-and-aquestive-therapeutics-announce-u-s-licensing-and-supply-deal-for-riluzole-oral-film-for-als-treatment/. Accessed on Jan. 21, 2021.