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Takeda Options Potential Iclusig Successor In Ascentage Deal

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Takeda has signed an option deal for Ascentage's olverembatinib, being investigated in two global Phase III trials in the same leukemia indications as those for the Japanese firm's existing drug Iclusig. Olverembatinib has also shown potential to overcome resistance to Iclusig and global competitor Novartis's Scemblix.

succession
Takeda and Ascentage's option and share investment deals hinge on a potential successor to Iclusig. • Source: Shutterstock

Chinese biotech Ascentage Pharma Group Corporation may license to Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. exclusive global rights to a potential successor to the Japanese major’s leukemia drug Iclusig (ponatinib).

The focus of the deal is olverembatinib, a third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor the Chinese company touts as potentially able to overcome resistance to existing drugs including Iclusig and its global rival

Key Takeaways

  • Takeda acquires option to in-license from Ascentage most global development and commercialization rights to olverembatinib. 

  • Japanese major will take a 7.7% stake in the Chinese biotech.

  • Partners will assess whether if the drug could be positioned as a potential successor to Takeda's Iclusig, which is facing loss of exclusivity

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