Takeda and enGene link up to develop therapeutics for gastrointestinal diseases
Will also collaborate on the development of oral delivery of antibodies using enGene's gene delivery technology
Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda is to collaborate with enGene, a private biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, to develop novel therapies for specialised gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.
The firms will use enGene’s 'Gene Pill' gene delivery platform, which inserts therapeutic genes into the cells of the gut lining by using its proprietary non-viral vector platform.
Under the terms of the agreement, enGene will develop two undisclosed targets selected by Takeda to pre-clinical proof of concept and IND enabling studies. Takeda will then have an option to exclusively license the global rights for the product candidates. Following this, Takeda will be responsible for all clinical development and commercialisation of those products.
enGene will receive an upfront payment and reimbursement for all R&D costs incurred during the development of the selected targets. The firm will also earn milestone payments for the product candidates plus tiered royalties on future net sales of the collaboration products.
Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Takeda will also collaborate with enGene in developing Gene Pill into a platform for oral delivery of antibodies and has the exclusive option to obtain a right of first negotiation for three antibody targets.
