04:28 AM EDT, 03/25/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Alumis ( ALMS ) and Kaken Pharmaceutical have struck a collaboration and licensing agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize ESK-001 for dermatology indications in Japan, with an option to expand the license to include rheumatological and gastrointestinal diseases, the companies said Tuesday.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alumis ( ALMS ) will receive $40 million in upfront and near-term co-development payments this year and next year, with the potential to earn up to approximately $140 million in additional milestone payments, the companies said.

Alumis ( ALMS ) is also eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from the low double-digits into the twenties on total Japanese net sales of ESK-001, the companies said.

Kaken will be responsible for the clinical development, regulatory approvals and commercialization of ESK-001 in Japan and contribute toward global development costs of the drug, the companies said.

The drug is currently being evaluated in a phase 3 clinical trial for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, the companies said.

Shares of Alumis ( ALMS ) gained more than 14% in premarket activity.