Takeda makes waves with neurological collaboration
Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals has entered into a global strategic collaboration with Wave Life Sciences.
US-based Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company that focuses on delivering therapies to patients that suffer from genetically-defined diseases.
The new collaboration will see the companies develop and commercialise nucleic acid therapies for disorders of the central nervous system.
As part of the collaboration, Wave will receive at least $230 million, including $110 million in upfront cash, $60 million in equity investment and at least $60 million in research support.
In return, Wave will provide Takeda with the option to co-develop and co-commercialise programmes in Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.
Takeda will also gain the right to license multiple preclinical programmes targeting central nervous system disorders as part of the collaboration. Such diseases are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Paul Bolno, managing director, president and CEO of Wave, said the “ambitious alliance” will allow the companies to develop meaningful therapies for people suffering from neurological diseases.
“This partnership provides additional resources to advance our clinical programmes through multiple data readouts while continuing to expand our pipeline in neurology and other therapeutic areas,” he said.
“We look forward to working with Takeda and leveraging our expertise in oligonucleotides and clinical capabilities to grow our company and continue to make scientific and medical advances on behalf of patients.”
Takeda will lead joint commercial activities outside of the US. Global costs and potential profits will be split 50:50.
Daniel Curran, managing director and head of the centre for external innovation at Takeda, added that the company is focused on partnering with companies that share its research focus and “commitment to deliver transformative” medicines to patients.
He said: “Wave’s expertise in optimising oligonucleotides offers a complementary approach to programmes that Takeda is currently pursuing for neurological disorders, maximising our potential for success, and their pipeline and focus are closely aligned with our own.”
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