Cytokinetics and Bayer Sign €70M Licensing Deal for Heart Drug Aficamten in Japan, Up to €490M in Milestone Payments

Nov 19, 2024, 11:35 AM

Cytokinetics and Bayer have announced an exclusive licensing collaboration for the heart drug Aficamten in Japan. The deal, valued at approximately €70 million upfront, includes additional potential payments of up to €490 million based on commercial milestones and tiered royalties on future sales. Bayer aims to strengthen its cardiovascular portfolio through this agreement with the U.S. biotech firm. The collaboration highlights Bayer's strategy of pursuing smaller deals to enhance its product offerings in the cardiovascular sector. The rights acquisition is part of Bayer's broader efforts to expand its presence in the Japanese pharmaceutical market.