The two companies have been enjoying a strong partnership in Women’s Healthcare (WHC). This collaboration is exemplified by Fuji’s development, launch, and marketing in Japan of Alyssa®, a dysmenorrhea treatment containing drospirenone and estetrol (E4), as well as by the commercialization of the oral contraceptive Nextstellis™ in Thailand. Fuji also holds rights to commercialize Richter’s estetrol (E4)-based hormone replacement therapy candidate in Japan and ASEAN territories. This product candidate has recently received a positive opinion from CHMP (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) in Europe under the brand name FYLREVY®.
Investment and innovation in women’s healthcare remain insufficient. Globally, research and development in this area is estimated to account for less than five percent of overall pharmaceutical R&D, resulting in limited treatment options for the future, and at the same time creating opportunities for innovative companies willing to invest. Against this backdrop, Richter and Fuji have signed a Business Collaboration Agreement that will strengthen joint efforts in business development and R&D within gynecology, a strategic priority area for both parties.
Leveraging the experience and expertise each organization has cultivated, the partnership will jointly identify, assess, and pursue the acquisition or in‑licensing of promising external drug candidates worldwide. Together with internal projects, these initiatives aim to accelerate innovation and deliver advanced therapeutic solutions in women’s health globally.
To promote innovation in gynecology, Richter has recently established an original research hub for drug discovery and development in Belgium as well as strengthened its Budapest-based R&D activities. This hub will play a pivotal role in advancing the joint development efforts of Richter and Fuji.
Dr. Péter Turek, Head of Women’s Healthcare Business Unit at Richter, commented: “We are pleased to broaden our collaboration with Fuji, a high quality and much respected partner. Stepping up efforts in original research and tapping external innovation well reflect our shared commitment to bringing solutions to significant unmet needs in Women Healthcare, improving the quality of life of millions of women globally."
Satoshi Suzuki, Head of Corporate Strategy Division at Fuji, commented: “Women’s healthcare has been a core focus for Fuji since our founding. We are truly delighted to further strengthen our collaboration with Gedeon Richter, a global leader in women’s healthcare. By bringing together the strengths of both companies, we aim to create value more rapidly and broadly, and achieve tangible outcomes that contribute to the health and well-being of women around the world.”
About Richter
Richter aspires to be a global innovator in some key scientific fields, while dedicated to making medicines more accessible worldwide. Founded in 1901, headquartered in Hungary, with a market capitalization of EUR 4.7bn and sales of EUR 2.2bn in 2024, it operates Central Europe's largest R&D hub. Its research drives breakthroughs in Neuropsychiatry and Women's Healthcare, while Biotechnology and General Medicines strengthen its affordable treatment portfolio. Committed to sustainable growth, Richter invests in R&D, manufacturing excellence, and digitalization to advance medical innovation. Learn more at www.gedeonrichter.com
About Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd.
Fuji Pharma is a Japan-based pharmaceutical company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of prescription-based pharmaceutical products. Fuji has focused on women’s healthcare since its establishment in 1965, offering a wide range of pharmaceuticals that address female‑specific conditions such as dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, menopausal disorders, infertility, and contraception. Alongside women’s healthcare, the company also positions the biosimilar business as a strategic priority and continues to expand its product lineup to provide new treatment options for patients and healthcare professionals. Fuji is committed to contributing to society where everyone can enjoy better health and well-being through the provision of high‑quality pharmaceutical products.
For more information, visit https://www.fujipharma.jp
For further information for Gedeon Richter:
Media: Zsuzsa Beke +36 20 916 4507