Evox Therapeutics and Takeda sign multi-target rare disease collaboration

Oxford University, UK, biotech spinout Evox Therapeutics has entered into a rare disease-focused partnership with Japan’s largest drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4503).

The multi-target collaboration is focussed on developing up to five novel protein replacement and mRNA therapies, including Evox’s pre-clinical program in Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) and a second new program directed at another undisclosed rare disease. As part of the deal, Takeda also has the option to select up to three additional rare disease targets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evox will be eligible to receive up to $44 million in upfront, near-term milestone payments and research funding. In total, Evox is eligible to receive around $882 million in upfront, development, and commercial milestone payments from Takeda. Evox will also receive tiered royalties on net sales of each product.