BRIEF—Denali reveals that Takeda Alzheimer's deal is discontinued

Along with its financial results yesterday, Denali Therapeutics revealed that Japan’s Takeda has made a strategic decision to discontinue development of TAK-920/DNL919 (ATV:TREM2) in Alzheimer’s disease based on data from the Phase I study and the rapidly evolving treatment landscape.

Under the original deal announced in 2018, Takeda made an initial payment of $150 million to Denali, with a contingent $90 million in milestones.

Denali said it will continue to explore back-up molecules, including potential combination therapies in Alzheimer’s disease.

But Biogen takes up option

Separately, Biogen exercised its option to Denali’s ATV-amyloid-beta program for Alzheimer’s disease.

Also with Biogen, Denali made revisions to the BIIB122 (LRRK2 inhibitor) clinical development plan intended to increase efficiency by focusing on one study in Parkinson’s disease.

“These strategic decisions reflect our data-driven approach to resource optimization and portfolio prioritization as we focus on late-stage programs and commercial readiness,” the company stated.