Array in drug discovery collaboration with Takeda

Array BioPharma of Boulder, CO, is commencing a drug discovery collaboration with Takeda Chemical Industries to create a series of small molecule drug leads against a Takeda target.

This collaboration is in addition to Array's existing research agreement with Takeda that began in 2001.

'We are very impressed with Array's track record of success in creating small molecule drug candidates,' said Dr Takashi Soda, general manager, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Chemical Industries. 'Through this new collaboration, we hope to enhance our r&d pipeline by utilising Array's drug discovery platform.'

Takeda will pay fees to Array based on the number of Array scientists working on the research phase of the agreement. Array will be entitled to receive success payments based on reaching certain development milestones and royalties based upon the sales of products resulting from the collaboration. 'We are delighted to continue our work with the internationally recognised pharmaceutical company, Takeda,' said Kevin Koch, president and chief scientific officer, Array BioPharma. 'We view Takeda's continued interest in partnering with Array as validation of our ability to create high quality clinical candidates.'

Array began working with Takeda in September 2001 and was charged with creating a series of small molecule drug leads against a Takeda target. In August 2003, Array received a milestone payment for accomplishing this goal. Today, Array continues development on this programme.