Nxera Pharma Co. Ltd (formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares), has joined the World Orphan Drug Alliance (WODA), a global alliance of commercial distributors. Nxera will represent WODA in Japan and South Korea.

WODA offers a “one-stop” solution for biopharma companies seeking to commercialise rare or orphan medicines across global markets. It is dedicated to providing access to treatments for rare diseases and specialty medicines in complex markets. The alliance consists of 12 member companies and provides access to approximately 200 million rare disease patients across 156 countries.

Through WODA and its global networks, Nxera will gain access to a pipeline of novel medicines targeting rare or orphan diseases as potential licensing opportunities (with no obligation) for its late clinical stage and commercialisation operations in Japan and South Korea. Economic terms would be determined on an individual basis should Nxera decide to in-license any product opportunities from the Alliance.

Chris Cargill, president and CEO of Nxera Pharma, said: “Nxera Pharma is delighted to be a part of WODA’s expansion. People with rare or orphan diseases in Japan and South Korea deserve better access to effective, life-changing medicines.

“At Nxera Pharma, we are committed to delivering this and I am confident that being part of this global alliance will support our collective mission to provide the best new therapies to patients in need.”

Patrick Jordan, chairman of WODA, said: “Orphan drugs for rare diseases and oncology are just the tip of the iceberg of today’s needs. For the over 6.2 billion people in the vast area covered by WODA, we want to do everything we can to play a central role in their individual journeys to access new and future therapies.

“Nxera Pharma was a logical partner for Japan and South Korea given its depth of experience in these markets and helps round out our Asian offering.”

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