H Lundbeck has expanded its current alliance with Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Otsuka) to include development and commercialization of nalmefene in Japan.
Earlier in 2013, nalmefene was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as the first treatment for the reduction of alcohol consumption and is sold under the brand name Selincro.
Both the companies will jointly finalize the clinical program for nalmefene in Japan, and it is expected that the first clinical Phase III trial will be started in 2014.
Biotie Therapies has licensed global rights of nalmefene to Lundbeck in September 2012.
In this regard, Lundbeck made a EUR10m equity investment in Biotie, whereby the royalties on the sales on markets outside the EU, the European Free Trade Area and the US were decreased in order to support the possible launching of the product for these markets.
Additionally, Biotie is eligible to receive sales milestone payment in the amount of EUR5m in Japan.
Biotie president and CEO Timo Veromaa said, "Alcohol dependence is a worldwide problem and nalmefene with its as-needed administration of therapy can reshape the treatment for patients who cannot or do not want to completely stop drinking."