Lundbeck and Takeda form compound alliance

Lundbeck and Takeda Pharmaceuticals have announced an alliance that will see the two companies cooperate over the development and commercialisation of several compounds in the US and Japan.

According to the firms, the compounds – which are currently in the Lundbeck pipeline – are potential treatments for mood and anxiety disorders, with Lundbeck receiving an initial $40 million (?19.8 million) plus further milestone-based payments.

Dr Claus Braestrup, president and chief executive officer of Lundbeck, said that Takeda is a “fully committed and highly competent partner”, while offering a positive outlook on the future of Lundbeck’s commercial influence in the US and Japan.

“This agreement also provides a unique opportunity for Lundbeck to build a commercial presence both in the US and in Japan with the support of a strong partner,” Dr Braestrup said.

Yasuchika Hasegawa, president of Takeda, said that the firm was “delighted” to be working with Lundbeck on the compounds, Lu AA21004 and Lu AA24530.

Lundbeck was founded in 1915 and introduced its first original medicine on to the market in the 1930s, according to the firm’s website.