Takeda partners with Treventis on Alzheimer's disease research

Japan’s largest drugmaker Takeda (TYO: 4502) has linked up with little-known Canadian biotech Treventis for the further research, development, and commercialization of small molecules that target tau, a key protein in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

This therapeutic strategy aims to markedly reduce tau misfolding and is a potential disease-modifying mechanism in AD as well as in other tauopathies.

The deal provides Takeda with an option to exclusively license the program worldwide for the development and commercialization of the tau program. In return, Treventis will receive research funding as well as an upfront payment, option exercise and future clinical and commercial milestones of up to $372.5 million if all milestones are achieved over the course of the partnership plus tiered royalties on potential net sales of any commercial product resulting from the license.