Yuhan Corp stands to collect 20.7 billion won ($15 million) after its lung cancer treatment LECLAZA entered the Japanese market, marking another revenue milestone for the Korean pharmaceutical company’s most valuable asset.
The payment from licensing partner Janssen Biotech represents roughly 1% of Yuhan’s consolidated sales from the previous year, according to the company’s May 30 announcement. LECLAZA launched in Japan on May 21 following price determination by the country’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
The drug, known scientifically as lazertinib, treats non-small cell lung cancer patients with specific genetic mutations. Japan’s reimbursement agency priced the tablets at ¥4,403.30 ($30.75) for the 80mg version and ¥12,354.70 ($86.29) for 240mg, setting the foundation for future sales.
Japanese health projections estimate 6,400 lung cancer patients will receive LECLAZA over a decade, with maximum market size reaching 13 billion yen. The treatment works in combination with Janssen’s antibody therapy Rybrevant for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations.
Yuhan’s licensing arrangement with the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, struck in 2018, could deliver up to $1.25 billion in total milestone and royalty payments. The company has already received $60 million for U.S. approval in August 2024 and $30 million for European authorization in December.
The Japanese milestone payment continues Yuhan’s global expansion strategy for its flagship oncology asset. Additional approvals in China could trigger a $45 million payment this year, potentially bringing annual licensing revenue close to 90 billion won.
LECLAZA represents the first Korean-developed cancer drug to gain approval across major global markets, challenging established treatments from companies including AstraZeneca. The drug’s success has positioned Yuhan as a contender in the competitive lung cancer therapy landscape.
