JAK inhibitor is currently undergoing Phase III evaluation.

Pfizer Japan and Takeda Pharmaceutical inked a deal to co-promote the Phase III-stage anti-inflammatory drug tofacitinib (CP-690,550, previously tasocitinib) in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other indications. Under terms of the deal Pfizer will receive a milestone payment from Takeda on the launch of tofacitinib in Japan, and Takeda will receive a percentage of sales based on prespecified conditions as a co-promotion fee.

The companies have in addition extended their existing Japanese co-promotion period for the anti-TNF drug Enbrel® as a treatment for arthritis. It  is marketed worldwide for a number of incidations by Pfizer and Amgen. Pfizer has rights to Enbrel outside the U.S. and Japan.  

The investigational drug tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor in development as a targeted immunomodulator for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other indications. Pfizer is currently conducting Phase III development of the drug in Japan for the rheumatoid arthritis indication. Late-stage development is also under way for rheumatoid arthritis in other countries along with Phase II trials for disorders including psoriasis, Crohn disease, and ulcerative colitis.

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