MacroGenics and Takeda link up to develop DART for autoimmune disorders

Privately held US biotech firm MacroGenics and Japan’s largest drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502) have entered into an option agreement for the development and commercialization of MGD010, which could earn the former more than half a billion dollars.

This product candidate incorporates MacroGenics' proprietary platform for dual-affinity re-targeting (DART) to simultaneously engage CD32B and CD79B, which are two B-cell surface proteins. MGD010 is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Under the terms of the deal, MacroGenics will get an upfront of $15 million and Takeda receives an option to obtain an exclusive worldwide license for MGD010 following the completion of a pre-defined Phase Ia study. MacroGenics will lead all product development activities until that time. If Takeda exercises its option, it will assume responsibility for future development and pay MacroGenics an option exercise fee which, when combined with the upfront payment and an early development milestone, will total $33 million.