Takeda’s orexin program: The hits, the misses and the payoff

Almost three decades after academic teams converged on the idea that loss of orexin signaling was linked to narcolepsy, Takeda is nearing the market with the first therapy to address the disease’s underlying biology. A combination of unwavering commitment to the program, rapid adaptations to the molecular and trial designs in response to setbacks, and strong patient engagement were among the keys to the pharma’s success. 

OX2R agonist oveporexton (TAK-861) from Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4502; NYSE:TAK) is under FDA review to treat narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), and a regulatory decision is expected this quarter. That keeps Takeda ahead of its closest competitors, Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) and Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc, which have recently entered or are preparing to start Phase III testing. Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) is acquiring Centessa for $6.3 billion in a deal that helps validate the broad potential of OX2R agonists...