The companies have signed a definitive agreement, which includes an exclusive option for Takeda to acquire Altos starting on the date of the deal and continuing for a period of time after the completion of ongoing phase 1 trials of ATC-1906.
ATC-1906 is being developed as an oral dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist to address the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in GP patients.
As part of the deal, Takeda will make an upfront payment for the option to buy Altos.
If Takeda decides to exercise the option, it will make an additional payment to purchase Altos, and then take control on the development and commercialization of ATC-1906.
Altos will be eligible to receive further payments tied to clinical development and achievement of key commercial milestones.
The companies will plan to develop ATC-1906 and its dopamine receptor antagonist mechanism of action as an alternative treatment for targeting the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Takeda senior vice president and head of gastroenterology therapeutic area unit Asit Parikh said: "There is a significant unmet need for a treatment to help patients with gastroparesis, and developing novel and innovative treatments for patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders is a top priority for Takeda’s global R&D strategy."