Takeda to Acquire Belgian Biotechnology Group TiGenix NV

Takeda, a leading global pharmaceutical company with roots spanning over 230 years, strengthens its leadership in gastroenterology.

Takeda announced that it will acquire TiGenix NV, a Belgian biotechnology group developing advanced stem cell therapies for serious diseases. Through this acquisition, it aims to offer patients new treatment options in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Takeda will expand its late-stage gastroenterology research portfolio alongside TiGenix through a EUR 520 million acquisition, while also strengthening its presence in specialty products in the United States. The acquisition expands the existing collaboration between Takeda and TiGenix to enable the development and commercialization of Cx601 (darvadstrocel). On 15 December 2017, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive recommendation for the approval of Cx601 in the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease, one of the most limiting clinical manifestations of the disease. A Phase III, global, pivotal study was initiated evaluating Cx601 as an investigational product in the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in patients with inactive to mildly active luminal Crohn's disease with the aim of achieving U.S. regulatory approval. Andrew Plump, Head Director of Scientific Operations and Medical Affairs at Takeda, noted that as one of the leading organizations in gastroenterology, Takeda understands well the physical, emotional and social barriers experienced by Crohn's patients with fistulas, and commented on the matter as follows: "Currently, treatment options are limited. Collaborating with partners who have unique experiences and research that will help us discover innovative approaches, including stem cell therapies, more effectively will enable us to serve this population in the most impactful way. During our collaboration, I had the opportunity to work closely with the TiGenix team and found that in addition to shared goals, we have different yet complementary expertise. Our collaboration excites all of us greatly."