Takeda Buys Celiac License from Cour

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.