Takeda could sell Shire drug candidate to clear antitrust hurdle

Takeda Pharmaceutical (TSE: 4502) has confirmed it is discussing with the European Union the possibility of offloading Shire’s (LSE: SHP) SHP647 and certain associated rights, as a way of avoiding overlap with its gastroenterology portfolio.

In a statement, the Japanese firm said it had suggested to the European Commission (EC), the EU’s executive branch, that it could divest the Phase III candidate, after its proposed acquisition of the London-listed firm completes.

The move would avoid a clash with Entyvio (vedolizumab), which Takeda describes as “the cornerstone” of its specialty gastrointestinal portfolio. Shire is testing SHP647 against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.