BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Resolve grants Takeda option for autoimmune compounds

March 1, 2013 2:49 AM UTC

Resolve Therapeutics LLC (Seattle, Wash.) granted Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4502) an exclusive option to license worldwide rights to develop and commercialize preclinical compounds from Resolve to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. The option includes Resolve's RSLV-132, a nuclease coupled to the Fc domain of an IgG1 antibody that is slated to start Phase I testing for lupus in 4Q13.

Takeda will make an $8 million payment to Resolve for the option, which is exercisable after completion of the first Phase Ib/IIa trial of RSLV-132 in lupus. Resolve will conduct all development until the completion of the trial, which is slated to start in 1Q14. Data are expected in 1Q15. If Takeda exercises its option, Resolve would be eligible for up to $247 million in an undisclosed option fee and milestones, plus tiered, double-digit royalties. The pharma would also assume responsibility for worldwide development and commercialization. ...