Takeda returns rights to certain products to Amgen

Japan’s largest drugmaker, Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502), has announced revisions on an existing collaboration agreement, under which it had rights to develop and commercialize multiple molecules/products from the pipeline of US biotech major Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) for the Japanese market.

By the revisions to the 2008 accord, rights for molecules/products including AMG403 and AMG386 will be returned to Amgen, effective immediately.

Takeda and Amgen will continue to collaborate on the development and commercialization of remaining molecules / products for the Japanese market, including Vectibix (panitumumab), a leading treatment for unresectable advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer.

“Through our work with Amgen, we have successfully delivered Vectibix to the Japanese patients facing a challenging diagnosis while continuing to build our scientific understanding of novel treatment pathways,” said Phil Rowlands, interim head, Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda, adding: “We look forward to continuing our scientific discovery and to building a portfolio of innovative medicines through our ongoing collaboration with Amgen.”

Takeda will work with Amgen to ensure a smooth transition of these products, and will cooperate with Amgen to ensure patients who receives study drug that include any of such molecules will receive appropriate therapies in Japan.