Targretin^®was approved in Japan for an additional indication

Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; CEO & President: Tokuichiro Utsunomiya, Ph.D.) (hereinafter referred to as “Minophagen”) announced today that Targretin^® Capsules (bexarotene) 75 mg have received approval for an additional indication: the treatment of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) with skin lesions.

Bexarotene, a retinoid, effectively treats malignant tumors by selectively binding to the retinoid X receptor (RXR). It induces apoptosis and arrests the cell cycle, effectively suppressing tumor growth.

Bexarotene was initially approved in Japan in January 2016 for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. An additional indication was granted following the results of phase 2 clinical trials (trials of B-1801 and B-1901) involving patients who have ATL with skin lesions.

ATL is a rare hematological malignancy resulting from the transformation of T-cells infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) over an extended period. Approximately 1,000 new cases are reported annually in Japan, with nearly half presenting with various skin lesions, such as rashes and tumors.

Minophagen offers a new treatment option for ATL, a rare disease that significantly impacts the patients’ quality of life (QOL).