CellCentric Licenses Novel Epigenetic Discovery Programme to Takeda
From its broad portfolio of novel targets in epigenetics, CellCentric has out-licensed exclusively the development and commercialisation of an important programme focused on cancer. Under the terms of the new agreement, CellCentric will receive from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited an upfront payment and pre-clinical and clinical milestones, in addition to royalties. Based on the royalties and milestones defined, the overall deal could be worth in excess of$200mto CellCentric over the course of the agreement.
This is a pioneering deal for the emerging area of epigenetics, demonstrating the commercial interest in novel epigenetic targets beyond HDACs (histone deacetylases) and DNMTs (DNA methyltransferases ). Therapeutic research will be initiated by Takeda's Research Group. Development of molecules stemming from this agreement will be completed by Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, which is responsible for Takeda's global oncology development strategy.
Many diseases including cancer involve a loss of cell fate control. In many cases this is associated with aberrant epigenetic changes to chromatin: dynamic modifications of DNA and its associated proteins, including histones. These epigenetic alterations are caused by a range of enzymes. Initial therapeutic interest has been focused on inhibiting HDAC and DNMTs. It has become increasingly clear that there are many other key epigenetic related enzymes that can be targeted and which may offer greater specificity of action. These include histone methyltransferases, demethylases and ubiquitin-related enzymes.
DrWill West, CEO of CellCentric said: "This licence is a strong endorsement of the way we are approaching innovation in epigenetics. This is an area that is no longer seen as just interesting, but as a necessity for pharmaceutical companies growing their armoury for tackling intractable diseases such as cancer".
Other news from the department business & finance
