Neurocrine Biosciences Inc and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialise compounds in Takeda’s early-to-mid-stage psychiatry pipeline. Specifically, Takeda granted an exclusive license to Neurocrine Biosciences for seven pipeline programmes, including three clinical stage assets for schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression and anhedonia.

“We are excited to collaborate with Takeda to bring life-changing therapies to people living with serious, challenging and under-addressed psychiatric disorders who are in need of better treatment options,” said Kevin Gorman, Ph.D, chief executive officer at Neurocrine Biosciences. “With our deep understanding in the fields of psychiatry and neurology, we look forward to developing new treatments for schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression and anhedonia as part of our diverse clinical development pipeline. This strategic partnership enhances our growing pipeline and strengthens our position as a leading neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company.”
 

“With longstanding experience developing and commercializing therapies for serious neurological and psychiatric disorders, Neurocrine Biosciences is the ideal partner to continue to develop our early-to-mid-stage psychiatry portfolio and bring these potential new therapies to patients,” said Sarah Sheikh, M.D, M.Sc, MRCP, head, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda. “Takeda is deeply committed to Neuroscience as one of our core therapeutic areas. The strategic partnership with Neurocrine Biosciences allows us to continue to build on our leadership in psychiatry and deliver future medicines for these patients while advancing our clinical assets for rare neurological diseases, such as narcolepsy, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and neurodegenerative conditions.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Neurocrine Biosciences will be responsible for developing and commercializing all pipeline compounds included in the collaboration. Takeda will receive a total of US$ 120 million in upfront cash. Additionally, Takeda will be entitled to development milestones of up to US$ 495 million, commercial milestones of up to US$ 1.4 billion and up to double-digit royalties on net sales.