Takeda and Wave Life Sciences to create new neurological disease therapies

Takeda has announced a new collaboration with Wave Life Sciences that will focus on the development of new therapies for neurological disease.

The research, development and commercial collaboration and multi-programme option agreement will aim to create antisense oligonucleotides for genetically-defined neurological diseases, backing up Takeda's externalisation and collaboration strategy.

The first component of the collaboration will focus on programmes targeting Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, all of which have been historically difficult to treat with small molecules or biologics.

Oligonucleotide molecules are designed to reduce the expression of disease-promoting proteins or to prevent the production of dysfunctional mutant proteins in favour of functional molecules.

Under the terms of the deal, Takeda also has the right to exclusively license multiple preclinical programmes targeting other neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Dr Daniel Curran, head of the centre for external innovation at Takeda, said: "Wave's expertise in optimising oligonucleotides offers a complementary approach to programmes that Takeda is currently pursuing for neurological disorders, maximising our potential for success, and their pipeline and focus are closely aligned with our own."

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