LEO Pharma plans $435M Dersimelagon rights deal

LEO Pharma agreed to acquire worldwide rights to dersimelagon from Tanabe Pharma for up to $435 million, aiming to bring a late-stage oral MC1R agonist for EPP and XLP to market pending FDA approval. The deal reflects LEO’s strategy to grow its medical dermatology portfolio, backed by Phase 3 results, fast-track and orphan drug designations, and a planned 2027 launch if approved.