Takeda, Ovid to co-develop rare pediatric epilepsy candidate TAK-935

TAK-935 has successfully completed several Phase 1 clinical studies under Takeda’s leadership and will be moving into Phase 1b/2a clinical studies in rare epileptic encephalopathies where patients continue to suffer from significant unmet medical needs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda received equity in Ovid and may be eligible to receive certain milestone payments based on the advancement of TAK-935. The companies will share in the development and commercialization costs on a 50/50 basis and, if successful, the companies will share in the profits on a 50/50 basis.

Takeda will lead commercialization in Japan, and has the option to lead in Asia and other selected geographies. Ovid will lead clinical development activities and commercialization of TAK-935 in the United States, Europe, Canada and Israel.

All activities of the collaboration regarding TAK-935 will be guided by the Takeda/Ovid “One Team” concept, an integrated and interdisciplinary team from both companies devoted to the successful advancement of TAK-935 across rare epilepsy syndromes.

If mutually agreed, additional orphan central nervous system indications may also be pursued. Additional financial details were not disclosed.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals central nervous system therapeutic area head Emiliangelo Ratti said: “Ovid’s agility, exclusive focus on developing therapies for rare neurological diseases and specialized capabilities in central nervous system drug development are highly differentiated and well suited to this important program.

“Takeda is driven by the urgent need to provide novel medicines for people with psychiatric, neurological and rare central nervous system disorders for whom there are no treatments available. This agreement is a prime example of our commitment to partnering select development programs with prominent companies that will enable us to remain at the leading edge of innovation.”