Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical and US firm Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company have collaborated to research and develop new immune modulating therapies for the potential treatment of celiac disease.
The parties will focus on using nanotechnologies based on Cour's Tolerizing Immune Modifying nanoParticle (TIMP) platform to allow celiac patients to tolerate gluten in their diet.
According to Cour, its TIMP platform can be extended to certain autoimmune and allergic conditions by inhibiting the abnormal immune responses that cause disease, without affecting the beneficial parts of the immune system.
Developed in cooperation with Northwestern University researchers, the TIMPs consist of a proprietary polymer and antigenic proteins, which are fully encapsulated for safety and administered intravenously.
The TIMP compounds target the underlying cause of celiac disease by targeting and controlling, gluten-reactive T-cells in patients, as opposed to broad immunosuppression.
Takeda gastroenterology drug discovery unit head Dr Gareth Hicks said: "As a global leader in gastroenterology, Takeda is committed to the discovery and development of treatments and products to improve the health of patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
As part of the deal, Cour will receive upfront and success-based milestone payments from Takeda, leading to an exclusive option to acquire a global licence to the TIMP-GLIA programme after the completion of the Phase IIa clinical trial.
Cour is also eligible to receive royalties on sales of any successful commercialised products resulting from the partnership.
The deal will also see Takeda have the option to collaborate on up to three additional TIMP compounds each with development, regulatory and sales milestones and royalties on sales.
