Arcutis Ends Kowa Promotional Partnership, Assumes Control of ZORYVE Promotions

Key Takeaways

• Arcutis announced that it has ended its U.S. co-promotion deal with Kowa Pharmaceuticals for ZORYVE® (roflumilast) as of January 23, 2026.

• The company will now manage promotion to pediatricians and primary care providers directly.

• Arcutis said it expects no negative impact on its 2026 plans to scale investments.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics has terminated its co-promotion agreement with Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. for ZORYVE® (roflumilast), effective January 23, 2026, according to a press relase from the company.

Under the prior arrangement, Kowa was responsible for promoting the topical PDE4 inhibitor to primary care physicians and pediatricians across the U.S. The release said that Arcutis will now directly oversee all promotional efforts for ZORYVE in the pediatric and primary care segments. The company emphasized that its dermatology salesforce will remain focused on specialist-driven practices, while the new primary care initiative will be resourced separately. Full rollout plans are expected to be shared during the company's Q4 earnings call on February 25. Under the termination terms, Kowa will cease promotional activity, and Arcutis will not make further payments related to the agreement.

“Our promotion agreement with Kowa has laid important groundwork for the promotion of ZORYVE in the primary care and pediatric markets,” said Frank Watanabe, president and CEO of Arcutis, in the news release. 

Source: Arcutis press release. January 26, 2026.