Sosei, Takeda partner up to develop new therapies

Sosei Group Corporationhas partnered up with Takeda to work on novel molecules, including small molecules and biologics, that modulate G protein-coupled receptor (“GPCR”) targets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sosei said in the press release, the partnership will combine the proprietary GPCR-focused structure-based drug design capabilities at Sosei Heptares with Takeda’s extensive discovery, development and therapeutic area expertise directed towards multiple GPCR targets nominated by Takeda. The nominated targets represent new therapeutic intervention points across a range of diseases. The collaboration will initially focus on high-priority gastrointestinal targets, but the agreement includes the potential expansion into other therapeutic areas.

Sosei Heptares further noticed it is eligible to receive up to $26 million in upfront and near-term payments, in addition to research funding over the term of the agreement, plus future development, commercialization and net sales-based milestone payments that may exceed $1.2 billion. Sosei Heptares is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales of any licensed products by Takeda resulting from the partnership. Takeda receives exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize therapeutic agents for each novel target through specified pharmacological approaches in the collaboration.

Dr. Malcolm Weir, Executive VP and Chief R&D Officer of Sosei Heptares, said: “Takeda and Sosei Heptares have enjoyed a strong relationship over the years, with its venture arm having been an early investor in Heptares. Today’s newly announced partnership is the culmination of recent discussions to identify new and exciting programs where our combined expertise can be directed towards challenging diseases and targets to deliver new medicines for patients.”

Dr. Gareth Hicks, Head, Gastroenterology Drug Discovery Unit at Takeda, said: “The therapeutic approach presented through this collaboration provides an exciting avenue for discovery in gut inflammation and motility disorders. We’re eager to advance the identified targets through our research pipeline, in partnership with Sosei Heptares, to accelerate the development of new therapies for patients.”

Shinichi Tamura, Chairman, President and CEO of Sosei Heptares, said: “Sosei Heptares, like Takeda, has a proud heritage in Japan. This imbues both companies with a strong set of values and a powerful work ethic to create new medicines for patients in need around the world and in doing so build a successful, global company. We believe this new partnership is another step forward for Sosei Heptares and we are looking forward to working together on this exciting new collaboration.”