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SK Biopharma Secures Global Rights for Epilepsy Drug Opakalim
🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

SK Biopharma Secures Global Rights for Epilepsy Drug Opakalim

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • SK Biopharmaceuticals secured global rights to develop and commercialize the epilepsy drug candidate Opakalim (BHV-7000).
  • The deal could be worth up to $795 million, including a $400 million upfront payment.
  • SK Biopharmaceuticals aims for Opakalim to become its second blockbuster drug, following Xcopri.

SK Biopharmaceuticals is set to develop its second blockbuster drug after securing global rights to the epilepsy treatment candidate Opakalim, also known as BHV-7000. The South Korean company announced the deal, which could reach a total value of $795 million, including an upfront payment of $400 million. Opakalim was developed by the U.S. biotech firm Biohaven. SK Biopharmaceuticals aims to leverage this acquisition to build on the success of its first major drug, Xcopri, which has generated significant revenue. The company held an emergency press conference in Seoul to announce the agreement. CEO Lee Dong-hoon stated that the company faced considerable pressure to find a "second product" over the past three years, carefully selecting Opakalim as the optimal choice. He expressed confidence that the company is now ready to enter a new phase of growth, building on the financial strength provided by Xcopri.

We have faced considerable pressure to find a second product over the past three years, but we have deliberated to choose the best, the optimal one.

— Lee Dong-hoonCEO of SK Biopharmaceuticals, speaking at a press conference announcing the Opakalim deal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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