Maverick Therapeutics and Takeda collaboration includes acquisition option

12 January 2017

USA-based Maverick Therapeutics, an MPM Capital portfolio company, has entered a collaboration to develop its T-cell engagement platform created specifically to improve the utility of T-cell redirection therapy for the treatment of cancer with Japan’s largest drugmaker, Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502).

The $125 million of proposed funding includes an upfront option, equity and research and development funding payments, and provides Takeda with the exclusive right to purchase Maverick after five years for an undisclosed sum. Maverick was founded in 2016, as a spin-out of its former parent, Harpoon Therapeutics.

The news comes just a few days after Takeda announced its decision to acquire Ariad Pharmaceuticals for $5.2 billion. Takeda also signed a deal giving it access to South Korean firm LegoChem Biosciences' proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology ConjuAll for the evaluation of next-generation ADC candidates.

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