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Zealand Pharma has sold its economic interests in rusfertide, a potential first-in-class therapy for polycythemia vera, for a total of $100 million to Royalty Pharma, consisting of $50 million upfront and $50 million after one year, even as the FDA considers approval with a PDUFA date in the third quarter of 2026. Zealand will retain 0.25% royalties on annual net global sales of rusfertide above $1.5 billion, while Royalty Pharma will receive 0.75% on sales over that threshold, indicating expectations of strong future sales. The deal allows Zealand to redeploy capital to its core gastrointestinal and metabolic disease programs, while Takeda, in partnership with Protagonist Therapeutics, remains responsible for global commercialization of rusfertide if approved. Sources: Zealand sells rights to Takeda's blood cancer drug for $100M Zealand sells milestone, royalty rights to rare blood cancer asset for ... Royalty Pharma Royalty Pharma and Zealand Pharma enter into rusfe...