Takeda, ProThera Biologics Form Licensing Pact for Plasma-Derived Therapies
Takeda and ProThera Biologics, a Providence, Rhode Island-based development company, have entered into a global licensing agreement to develop a plasma-derived inter-alpha inhibitor proteins (IAIP) therapy for the treatment of acute inflammatory conditions.
The companies report that early research has indicated that this IAIP technology has the potential for a disease-modifying treatment for a range of acute inflammatory diseases. IAIPs are naturally occurring proteins that circulate in the blood. ProThera says that research has shown that these proteins control inflammation by exerting their anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms and have the potential to address dysregulated immune responses by serving as a replenishment strategy for anti-inflammatory proteins during acute illness.
Under the agreement, ProThera and Takeda will work together on investigational new drug (IND) application-enabling activities, with development led by Takeda’s dedicated Plasma Derived Therapies R&D organization. The collaboration will also explore the development of companion diagnostics with the goal of personalizing patient treatment. Takeda will assume responsibility for funding all development and commercialization activities. The financial terms of the licensing agreement were disclosed.
Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical and ProThera Biologics