New joint research program with MMV to explore promising compounds for malaria treatment with the support of the GHIT Fund

Osaka, Japan, March 30, 2017 —Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced that they have entered into an agreement with Medicines for Malaria Venture (Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; “MMV”) to initiate a program to find lead compounds that could ultimately become innovative antimalarial drugs.

 This joint research program arose from a screening program for malaria by Takeda and MMV which was announced in 2013. It is intended to further advance potential hits identified in Takeda’s library of proprietary compounds, a process known as Hit-to-Lead research. The screening program and newly agreed collaboration are both funded through the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (“GHIT Fund”), established for the purpose of promoting research and development of pharmaceutical products, vaccines and diagnostics needed for communicable diseases.

 Despite preventive measures, such as mosquito nets and insecticides, and effective existing treatments, malaria remains a life-threatening infectious disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million cases of malaria occur annually and more than 400,000 lives are lost as a result. To eradicate malaria, there is a need for novel drugs that are well tolerated and efficacious against resistant strains of parasite and are easier to take than current regimens.

 Under this agreement, Takeda and MMV will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the activity of multiple hits. The partners aim to identify potential novel antimalarial leads within 1 year. Takeda will provide not only compounds, but also scientific expertise, while MMV will provide scientific and malaria expertise.

 Takeda has been making efforts globally to improve access to medicines. Takeda and MMV have collaborated across multiple programs for development of innovative antimalarial drugs with the support of the GHIT Fund. Currently-active programs include “Research on proteasome inhibitors as new potent resistance-reversing antimalarials (Target Research),” “Commercial formulation development of DSM265 ^* (Phase 2),” and “Clinical study of DSM421 ^* (Phase 1).” Takeda will continue to promote its efforts to contribute to global health through a variety of activities related to Access to Medicines including GHIT Fund programs, with the overarching aim of realizing its mission of "striving towards better health for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine."

 * DSM265 and DSM421 are anti-malaria drug candidates in the MMV portfolio.

About Medicines for Malaria Venture

MMV is a leading product development partnership (PDP) in the field of antimalarial drug research and development. Its mission is to reduce the burden of malaria in disease-endemic countries by discovering, developing and delivering new, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs.

 Since its foundation in 1999, MMV and partners have built the largest portfolio of antimalarial R&D and access projects ever assembled, and brought forward six new medicines that are already saving lives. MMV’s success is based on its extensive partnership network of pharmaceutical, academic and endemic-country partners in more than 55 countries.

 MMV’s vision is a world in which innovative medicines will cure and protect the vulnerable and under-served populations at risk of malaria, and ultimately help to eradicate this terrible disease.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines.

 Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda.

 More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com.

 

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