Takeda and BioNumerik terminate cancer drug deal

Developed by BioNumerik, Tavocept is a chemotherapeutic agent with uses in oncology and other disease indications. The initial development focus for Tavocept was to prevent peripheral nerve damage, or neuropathy that is known to be associated with certain commonly used chemotherapy drugs, such as taxane and platinum agents.

The decision comes after the announcement by Takeda of the failure of two phase III trials of the drug. The trials did not meet their primary endpoints and they were inconclusive in terms of demonstrating a significant effect of Tavocept in reducing the incidence of severe neuropathy caused by the administration of chemotherapy treatments.

Takeda said that following discussions with BioNumerik over data from the trials and the future of Tavocept, it decided to terminate the agreement but only in the US and Canadian markets.

Takeda has commented that research on the drug is still continuing in Japan.