Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical has bought an exclusive global license to an investigational therapy for celiac disease from US biotech Cour Pharmaeuticals.

Takeda will develop and commercialize the treatment CNP-101/TAK-101, an immune modifying nanoparticle containing gliadin proteins that is based on Cour’s antigen specific immune tolerance platform.

CNP-101/TAK-101 is said to be a potential first-in-class treatment targeting the aberrant immune response in celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disease where the ingestion of gluten leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine.

Takeda decided to take the license following results from a Phase 2a trial. Asit Parikh, head of the drugmaker’s gastroenterology therapeutic area unit, said while many people living with celiac disease can manage their systems by following a gluten-free diet, there are currently no treatment options for those who continue to have symptoms.

The Osaka-based company intends to initiate a dose-ranging study to further explore the potential of TAK-101 in treating patients with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet.

Cour’s CEO John Puisis said the company is encouraged by the data from the first human proof-of-concept study of its proprietary nanoparticle platform designed to reprogram the immune system. He added: “As Takeda assumes responsibility for the celiac disease program, Cour will focus on advancing our pipeline of therapies for a variety of other immune disorders ranging from multiple sclerosis to peanut allergy.”

Under the terms of the deal, Cour is eligible to receive up to $420 million in future payments as well as royalties on sales of any commercialized products resulting from the license.