Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., a research-based global company, and enGene, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company, announced a strategic alliance to discover, develop and commercialise novel therapies for specialty gastrointestinal (GI) diseases using enGene’s “Gene Pill” gene delivery platform. The strategic alliance will leverage enGene’s expertise and intellectual property position in delivering therapeutic genes to cells of the gut lining by using its proprietary non-viral vector platform.

Under the terms of the agreement, enGene will develop up to two undisclosed targets selected by Takeda through pre-clinical proof of concept and IND enabling studies. At that point, Takeda will have an option to exclusively license the global rights for the product candidates.

Following option exercise, Takeda will be responsible for all clinical development and commercialisation of those products. enGene will receive an upfront payment and reimbursement of all R&D costs incurred during the development of the selected targets. In addition, enGene is eligible to earn milestone payments for the product candidates based on accomplishment of specific research, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. enGene also will receive tiered royalties on future net sales of the collaboration products. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Takeda will also collaborate with enGene in developing Gene Pill into a platform for oral delivery of antibodies. Takeda has the exclusive option to obtain a right of first negotiation for up to three antibody targets.

“We aim to have a positive impact on patients’ lives by translating unique innovations in science into life-changing medicines to treat GI disorders,” said Gareth Hicks, who leads gastroenterology discovery research at Takeda. “Therefore, we are pleased to partner with enGene to further investigate the potential of their ‘Gene Pill’ delivery platform.”

“We are very excited to be collaborating with the team at Takeda to investigate new medicines for the specialty GI market using enGene’s innovative gene delivery platform for the gut,” said Dr. Anthony T. Cheung, chief executive officer and a co-founder of enGene. “In addition to gaining non-dilutive funding to support the development of our own products, this alliance provides our company an excellent opportunity to grow our drug development capabilities through working with a leading pharmaceutical company in the gastroenterology space.”