(Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer
(Added details on the medicine and the partnership in paragraphs 2 to 6)
Kura Oncology KURA.O said on Wednesday it would collaborate with Japan’s Kyowa Kirin 4151.T to develop and commercialize ziftomenib, a blood cancer treatment.
Kuradi will lead the development of the drug, which is currently being evaluated for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects approximately 20,000 people in the United States each year.
The companies will jointly undertake marketing activities and share potential profits and losses equally, Kura said.
Kyowa Kirin will develop and market the drug outside the United States.
Kura said it would receive an upfront payment of $330 million and up to $1.2 billion in milestone payments as part of the deal.
Ziftomenib is currently in the early stages of development. This oral medication is also being tested for other blood cancers.
**What specific skills or resources does each company bring to this partnership that will be essential for the successful development and commercialization of ziftomenib?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview:
**Topic:** Kura Oncology & Kyowa Kirin Joint Venture for Ziftomenib Development
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Michael Shepard:** Chief Medical Officer, Kura Oncology
* **Ms. Yuki Sato:** Global Head of Business Development, Kyowa Kirin
**Host:** **Welcome to World Today News. We’re joined today by Dr. Michael Shepard from Kura Oncology and Ms. Yuki Sato from Kyowa Kirin to discuss the exciting news about the development and commercialization of ziftomenib, a promising new treatment for blood cancers.**
**Section 1: Partnership & Collaboration**
* **Host:** This collaboration between Kura Oncology and Kyowa Kirin seems significant. Could you both elaborate on the strategic rationale behind this partnership and what each company brings to the table?
* **Dr. Shepard:**
* **Ms. Sato:**
* **Host:** The agreement mentions a shared commitment to development and marketing. How will this partnership ensure effective and efficient execution of these activities?
**Section 2: Ziftomenib & Treatment Potential**
* **Host:** Ziftomenib is being evaluated for acute myeloid leukemia, a challenging cancer affecting thousands of individuals worldwide. Could you explain its potential mechanism of action and how it differs from other existing treatments?
* **Dr. Shepard:**
* **Host:**
The article mentioned ziftomenib is also being tested for other blood cancers. Can you shed some light on these other applications and their potential impact?
* **Dr. Shepard:**
**Section 3: Global Reach & Patient Access**
* **Host:** Ms. Sato, Kyowa Kirin will lead development and marketing outside the United States. How crucial is global expansion for ensuring widespread patient access to ziftomenib?
* **Ms. Sato:**
* **Host:** What specific strategies will be implemented to navigate the challenges of regulatory approval processes and market access in different countries?
* **Ms. Sato:**
**Section 4: Financial Dynamics & Future Outlook**
* **Host:** The agreement includes significant upfront and milestone payments for Kura Oncology. Dr. Shepard, how will these financial resources contribute to Kura’s overall pipeline and research initiatives?
* **Dr. Shepard:**
* **Host:** What are your joint expectations for the future success of ziftomenib and the long-term potential of this collaboration?
* **Dr. Shepard:**
* **Ms. Sato:**
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insights on this groundbreaking development. We at World Today News look forward to closely following the progress of ziftomenib and its potential to improve the lives of blood cancer patients worldwide.
