The technology is currently in Phase III trials for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using the platform to delivery doxorubicin to tumours in the liver.
Yakult will pay an initial $2.5m, with a further $18m being paid on the completion of various milestones.
Kiyoshi Terada, Yakult’s head of the pharmaceutical division, said: “The remarkable evidence of clinical activity suggested by ThermoDox in early phase clinical trials provides Yakult with the confidence necessary for the investment required to support marketing approval in Japan.
“With an annual incidence of over 40,000 HCC patients, if supported by data from the current randomised Phase III trial, ThermoDox has the potential to hold great promise for those suffering with this difficult cancer."
The HCC treatment works by inserting a probe into the tumour, which uses radio frequency ablation to kill cancerous cells.
This leaves cells at the edge of the tumour unharmed so liposomes are delivered intravenously, which breakdown in the presence of the probes heat and deliver doxorubicin.
The delivery platform is also in Phase II trials for the treatment of recurrent chest wall breast cancer. This uses an external microwave device to provide the heat required for liposome breakdown.
Liposomes are delivered intravenously while the microwave device heats the target area to 42 degrees Celsius over 40 minutes. In addition to breaking down the liposomes the microwaves increase the porosity of the tumours vascular system, which increases the uptake of doxorubicin.
