Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. and enGene, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company, a privately held biotechnology company developing a proprietary non-viral vector platform for gene delivery to mucosal cells lining the gut, have formed a strategic alliance to discover, develop, and commercialize therapies for specialty gastrointestinal (GI) diseases using enGene's “Gene Pill” gene delivery platform. The strategic alliance will leverage enGene's expertise and intellectual property position in delivering therapeutic genes to cells of the gut lining by using its proprietary non-viral vector platform.

Under the terms of the agreement, enGene will develop up to two undisclosed targets selected by Takeda through pre-clinical proof of concept and investigational new drug-enabling studies. At that point, Takeda will have an option to exclusively license the global rights for the product candidates.

Following option exercise, Takeda will be responsible for all clinical development and commercialization of those products. enGene will receive an upfront payment and reimbursement of all R&D costs incurred during the development of the selected targets. In addition, enGene is eligible to earn milestone payments for the product candidates based on accomplishment of specific research, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. enGene also will receive 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. Takeda has the exclusive option to obtain a right of first negotiation for up to three antibody targets.

Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical