Kaken Secures Japanese Rights for Alumis’ Novel TYK2 Inhibitor ESK-001

Alumis and Kaken Pharmaceutical have entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement for ESK-001, a next-generation oral TYK2 inhibitor, in Japan14.

The deal includes $40 million in upfront and near-term co-development payments during 2025-2026, with potential for additional $140 million in milestone and field option payments14.

Kaken will be responsible for clinical development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization of ESK-001 in Japan for dermatology indications12.

Alumis will receive tiered royalties ranging from low double-digits to twenties on net sales in Japan14.

The agreement primarily covers dermatology indications, with an option for Kaken to expand into rheumatological and gastrointestinal diseases24.

ESK-001 is currently in phase 3 trials for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and phase 2b trials for systemic lupus erythematosus2.

This partnership leverages Kaken's expertise in the Japanese dermatology market and builds on ESK-001's positive Phase 2 clinical data47.

Alumis retains rights to ESK-001 in all other geographies outside Japan7.

The collaboration aims to unlock ESK-001's full therapeutic potential and ensure its accessibility to patients with immune-mediated disorders worldwide7.

Sources:

1. https://www.clinicaltrialvanguard.com/news/alumis-and-kaken-announce-licensing-agreement-for-dermatology/

2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/kaken-agrees-180m-deal-develop-alumis-lead-tky2-inhibitor-japan

4. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ALMS/alumis-and-kaken-pharmaceutical-announce-collaboration-and-licensing-e296zu03l9ug.html

7. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/25/3048418/0/en/Alumis-and-Kaken-Pharmaceutical-Announce-Collaboration-and-Licensing-Agreement-for-ESK-001-in-Dermatology-in-Japan.html