Aska to sell Sosei emergency contraceptive in Japan

Aska Pharmaceutical is to undertake the sales and marketing of Sosei's oral emergency contraceptive Norlevo (SOH-075) in Japan, its home market. The agreement will see Sosei keep responsibility for the development and registration of the levonorgestrel-only product, which should be filed in the first half of next year and stands to become the first of its type in Japan. It is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy when administered within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Sosei originally acquired exclusive Japanese distribution rights from originator HRA Pharma, and will receive undisclosed upfront and milestone payments and a percentage of net sales from Aska. Aska already markets several oral contraceptives and fertility drugs and has acquired an equity stake in Sosei as part of the tie-up.