BaseLaunch announced that Takeda has joined the Basel-based incubator, bringing the total number of pharma company partners to six.

Through its strategic investment in BaseLaunch, Takeda gains access to proven quality life sciences deal flow in central Europe and BaseLaunch`s company-building capabilities, while also providing expertise in biotech innovation and development of medicines. This will further help BaseLaunch develop its portfolio companies, which have collectively raised over USD 1 billion.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Takeda to BaseLaunch. This partnership will significantly benefit our early-stage biotech ventures. Early stage funding, coupled with our company-building capabilities and privileged access to our pharma partners, gives our ventures a head start to further build and grow their businesses,” noted Stephan Emmerth, Director, BaseLaunch.

Since its inception in 2018, BaseLaunch has supported 27 biotech companies across various modalities and indications, with several of them having entered phase II clinical trials. The incubator also boasts two exits, most notably T3 Pharma, which was acquired for USD 500 million by Boehringer Ingelheim in 2023.

“Our partnership with BaseLaunch strengthens our connection to European biotech innovation. Further, by joining the investment board, we can help guide company creation and apply Takeda’s expertise in turning science into new therapies. We look forward to participating in BaseLaunch and advancing innovative medicines together,” said Alison Handley, Head, Centre for External Innovation, Takeda.

Six of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies are currently partners of BaseLaunch. In addition to Takeda, these include AbbVie, Roche, Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson and CSL. The venture fund Pureos Bioventures is also a partner. The commitment of these prominent partners demonstrates the continued success of the BaseLaunch setup that also deeply embeds the portfolio companies in the Basel area, a hotspot of European biopharma innovation.