Name: Dersimelagon (MT-7117) in Erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria: Generic, brand name and therapeutic class of product
Published: 2026-09-21T21:42:40-04:00

Manufacturer: LEO Pharma

“LEO Pharma also announced that it has successfully closed the acquisition of worldwide rights to dersimelagon from Tanabe Pharma, following the fulfilment of customary closing conditions.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

“LEO Pharma has acquired worldwide rights to dersimelagon for up to USD 435 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments, plus potential downstream milestones and double-digit up to mid-teens tiered royalties on net sales.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Applicant of record and responsibility for United States approval

“The NDA was submitted by Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (TPA, President: Yasutoshi Kawakami), its U.S. subsidiary.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Under the agreement, Tanabe Pharma will remain responsible for obtaining U.S. regulatory approval for dersimelagon. Ongoing clinical trials will also continue as planned and are expected to be transferred to LEO Pharma in accordance with the agreement.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Transfer of worldwide rights from Tanabe Pharma to LEO Pharma

“it has entered into an agreement to transfer all rights, including global development and commercialization rights, of the oral agent MT-7117 (generic name: dersimelagon, a selective melanocortin 1 receptor agonist) being developed by our U.S. subsidiary, Tanabe Pharma America, Inc., for the indication of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) with a history of photosensitivity (including severe pain caused by sunlight exposure), to LEO Pharma (Head Office: Ballerup, Denmark; CEO: Christophe Bourdon).” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Under the terms of the agreement, Tanabe Pharma will receive up to USD 435 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments together with downstream milestones and tiered royalties on sales.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Generic name and therapeutic class

“Dersimelagon is an investigational, once-daily oral melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) agonist for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP), two rare genetic skin diseases with significant unmet medical need.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

“Dersimelagon is a novel synthetic, orally-administered, non-peptide small molecule, which acts as a selective agonist of MC1R” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

“Dersimelagon (formerly MT‐7117) is a novel, orally administered nonpeptide small molecule selective agonist for melanocortin 1 receptor currently being investigated for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, X‐linked protoporphyria, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Development code and salt form of the active substance

“By exploring the structure of previously reported compound 5, we discovered compound 11 (MT-7117: dersimelagon phosphoric acid).” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Proposed brand name

No evidence found.

Originator and change of corporate name

“Dersimelagon was internally discovered and developed by Tanabe Pharma, a Bain Capital portfolio company.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

“Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma to Begin a New Chapter under Bain Capital Ownership -Company Name Change to “Tanabe Pharma Corporation” Effective December 1, 2025-” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)