Takeda and Denali Partner on Neurodegenerative Therapies

On Jan. 5, 2018, Takeda Pharmaceutical entered into a strategic option and collaboration agreement with Denali Therapeutics, a South San Francisco, CA-based biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of neurodegenerative therapeutics, to develop and commercialize up to three specified therapeutic product candidates for neurodegenerative diseases in a deal worth more than $240 million.

Each program is aimed at genetically validated targets for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and other indications. Each program also incorporates Denali’s antibody transport vehicle (ATV) platform for increased exposure of biotherapeutic products in the brain.

Under the agreement, Takeda will make an initial payment to Denali of $150 million through a combination of cash upfront payments and the purchase of Denali equity. Denali is also eligible to receive development and commercial milestone payments, including $90 million in preclinical milestones and opt-in payments.

Denali will take responsibility for all development activities and costs prior to filing investigational new drug applications for each of the three programs. Takeda has the option to co-develop and co-commercialize each of the three programs. If Takeda exercises the option, the companies will then jointly conduct clinical development and share all costs equally.

Denali will lead early clinical development activities and Takeda will lead late-stage clinical development activities. The companies will jointly commercialize products in the United States and China. Takeda will have exclusive commercialization rights in all other markets.  The companies will also share global profits equally.

“This partnership further exemplifies Takeda’s continued commitment to developing genetically validated therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through an enhanced portfolio comprised of new modalities,” said Emiliangelo Ratti, head of the Neuroscience Therapy Area at Takeda, in a company press release. “We are excited to partner with the Denali team, whose innovative technology is uniquely poised to deliver the next generation of antibody therapeutics for patients.”

“We are impressed with Takeda’s commitment to developing treatments for difficult to treat neurodegenerative diseases and look forward to partnering with them to bring medicines to patients,” said Denali CEO Ryan Watts, PhD, the press release. “Takeda has a great track record of partnering with biotech firms in addition to unique development expertise and a strong global commercial presence.”

Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical