Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Seikagaku Corporation, based on the discussions held related to co-development and marketing collaboration on Gel-One under development by Seikagaku for the treatment of osteoarthritis in Japan.

In April 2025, Ono entered into a basic agreement with Seikagaku for co-development and marketing collaboration on Gel-One.

Under the agreement, Ono acquires co-development and exclusive marketing rights related to Gel-One in Japan. Ono will pay Seikagaku tiered royalties over multiple years based on future progress in development and marketing.

In Japan, three Phase III clinical studies are underway: a study for osteoarthritis of the knee, a study for osteoarthritis of the hip, and a long-term safety study for both joints. The companies are committed to facilitating these clinical studies as quickly as possible to obtain approval for manufacturing and marketing authorisation for the product at an earlier date.