Richter and Fuji Strengthen Strategic Collaboration

Gedeon Richter Plc. and Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. have announced the expansion and further strengthening of their long-standing strategic collaboration. The two companies have been enjoying a strong partnership in Women’s Healthcare (WHC), according to a statement published on the website of the Budapest Stock Exchange.

This collaboration is exemplified by Fuji’s development, launch and marketing in Japan of Alyssa, a dysmenorrhea treatment containing drospirenone and estetrol (E4), as well as by the commercialization of the oral contraceptive Nextstellis in Thailand, the statement points out.

Fuji also holds rights to commercialize Richter’s estetrol (E4)-based hormone replacement therapy candidate in Japan and ASEAN territories. This product candidate has recently received a positive opinion from CHMP (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) in Europe under the brand name FYLREVY.

Investment and innovation in women’s healthcare remain insufficient. Globally, research and development in this area is estimated to account for less than five percent of overall pharmaceutical R&D, resulting in limited treatment options for the future, and at the same time creating opportunities for innovative companies willing to invest. Against this backdrop, Richter and Fuji have signed a Business Collaboration Agreement that will strengthen joint efforts in business development and R&D within gynecology, a strategic priority area for both parties.

Leveraging the experience and expertise each organization has cultivated, the partnership will jointly identify, assess, and pursue the acquisition or in‑licensing of promising external drug candidates worldwide. Together with internal projects, these initiatives aim to accelerate innovation and deliver advanced therapeutic solutions in women’s health globally.

To promote innovation in gynecology, Richter has recently established an original research hub for drug discovery and development in Belgium as well as strengthened its Budapestbased R&D activities. This hub will play a pivotal role in advancing the joint development efforts of Richter and Fuji.

Dr. Péter Turek, Head of Women’s Healthcare Business Unit at Richter, is quoted in the statement as saying that “we are pleased to broaden our collaboration with Fuji, a high quality and much respected partner. Stepping up efforts in original research and tapping external innovation well reflect our shared commitment to bringing solutions to significant unmet needs in Women Healthcare, improving the quality of life of millions of women globally.

In his comment, Satoshi Suzuki, Head of Corporate Strategy Division at Fuji, stated that “women’s healthcare has been a core focus for Fuji since our founding. We are truly delighted to further strengthen our collaboration with Gedeon Richter, a global leader in women’s healthcare. By bringing together the strengths of both companies, we aim to create value more rapidly and broadly, and achieve tangible outcomes that contribute to the health and well-being of women around the world.”