Alumis and Kaken Join Forces to Bring ESK-001 to Japan’s Dermatology Scene

March 25, 2025

DENVER, Colo., Mar 25, 2025 (247marketnews.com)- Alumis (NASDAQ:ALMS) and Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange:4521) struck a blockbuster deal to develop and commercialize ESK-001—a next-gen oral TYK2 inhibitor—for dermatology in Japan. This pact, with a hefty $40 million upfront and near-term payout in 2025-2026 and up to $140 million in milestone and option bonuses, plus tiered royalties from low double-digits to the twenties, underscores ESK-001’s commercial punch and Kaken’s regional savvy.

Martin Babler, President and CEO of Alumis, exclaimed, “We are thrilled to announce this agreement with Kaken, a dermatology leader with significant reach and expertise in the Japanese market. This partnership builds on the positive Phase 2 clinical data of ESK-001, our next-generation oral TYK2 inhibitor, supporting our objectives to unlock its full therapeutic potential and ensure ESK-001 is widely accessible to people with immune-mediated disorders around the world.”

ESK-001, Alumis’ star candidate, targets TYK2—a key driver in immune disorders—with razor-sharp selectivity, promising better outcomes for skin conditions like psoriasis. Kaken, tapping its dermatology expertise, will steer clinical trials, regulatory hurdles, and sales in Japan, while Alumis keeps global rights elsewhere.

Hiroyuki Horiuchi, Kaken’s President and Representative Director, added, “We are delighted to enter into an agreement with Alumis to develop ESK-001 for the Japanese market. We strongly believe in the potential of ESK-001 to address a range of medical needs in the dermatology space and potentially rheumatological and gastrointestinal diseases in the future. ESK-001 will be an important addition to the Kaken portfolio of novel therapeutics for dermatology conditions.”

Kaken can opt to expand ESK-001 into rheumatology and gastrointestinal disease, like arthritis or Crohn’s, broadening its reach. Kaken’s also chipping in on global development costs, making this a true partnership.

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