Takeda taps Resolve for lupus disease candidate

Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502), Japan’s largest drugmaker, has licensed rights to a series of autoimmune compounds developed by privately-held US biotech firm Resolve Therapeutics with potential in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus in a deal valued at more than $255 million.

The lead compound - called RSLV-132 - is a novel nuclease Fc fusion protein that is scheduled to enter clinical development later this year. Under the terms of the agreement Resolve will stands to receive an upfront payment of $8 million with the potential for another $247 million in option payments and development milestones, as well as royalties on product sales. Takeda will fund development through to the end of a Phase Ib/IIa trial, whereupon it will be able to exercise its option.

In lupus autoimmune reactions can attack a wide range of organs, including the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system, but the course of the disease is highly variable and depends on the individual patient.