Takeda and Enterome enter microbiome drug discovery collaboration

Takeda and Enterome have entered into a strategic drug discovery collaboration to research and develop potential new therapeutics directed at microbiome targets thought to play crucial roles in gastrointestinal disorders.

Enterome will use its metagenomic platform to support the discovery of potential novel agents (small molecules or biologics) derived from gut bacteria and directed to the gastrointestinal targets selected by both companies. Takeda has an option to license selected agents on an exclusive global basis and will be responsible for their regulatory and clinical development as well as their commercialisation.

Commenting on the collaboration, Gareth Hicks, Ph.D., head of gastroenterology drug discovery for Takeda, said, “In partnering with scientists at Enterome, who perform cutting-edge research into microbiome-derived agents, Takeda is able to explore this exciting science and bring innovative therapies forward.”

An important step for Enterome

Pierre Belichard, CEO of Enterome, said, “This strategic collaboration with Takeda is a significant achievement for Enterome and represents an important step towards realising the full potential of our expertise and unique capabilities in unlocking the microbiome to generate new therapeutic solutions to serious diseases. We are delighted to begin this new collaboration, which will combine our continuing leadership in the microbiome space and Takeda’s global therapeutic drug discovery and development capabilities. It is also an important step for Enterome towards achieving its ambition to become a leading global biopharmaceutical company in the microbiome space.”

Enterome will receive an upfront payment and 3-year R&D funding, and is eligible to receive additional payments for each molecule discovered through the collaboration in the form of option exercise, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. In addition, the company is eligible to receive potential tiered royalties on the net sales of any products that are commercialised by Takeda. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.