JW Pharmaceutical said it has entered into a licensing agreement with Japan's Kissei Pharmaceutical for the introduction of the latter's Linzagolix, a treatment for uterine fibroids, in Korea.

Under the accord, JW Pharmaceutical will hold exclusive rights to develop, commercialize, use, develop, sell, offer for sale, import, and manufacture Linzagolix in Korea.

However, JW Pharmaceutical did not disclose the total contract amount, citing contractual reasons.

Linzagolix is a once-daily oral GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) antagonist that effectively alleviates symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids by inhibiting the production of the female hormone estrogen.

Kissei has confirmed the efficacy of Linzagolix both as a monotherapy and in combination with hormone replacement therapy (ABT) through a phase 3 clinical trial in the U.S. and EU.

The drug received marketing approval in Europe in June 2022. Linzagolix provides immediate suppression of estrogen secretion, improving early-stage side effects compared to GnRH agonists.

JW Pharmaceutical anticipates that the introduction of Linzagolix will significantly benefit domestic patients as its oral administration offers convenience, which will likely lead to enhancing the quality of life for uterine fibroid patients in Korea.