Takeda finalises buyout of TiGenix

Japanese pharma giant Takeda has completed its buyout of TiGenix.

Takeda’s main R&D focus is in oncology, gastroenterology and neuroscience therapeutic areas, and vaccines. The company employs around 30,000 people and works with drugs marketed to more than 100 countries.

[caption id="attachment_45299" align="alignleft" width="96"] Asit Parikh[/caption]

Asit Parikh, head of Takeda’s gastroenterology therapeutic area unit, said, “Takeda and TiGenix are pleased to announce the successful progression of this transaction as we move forward with the integration of the two companies.

“We are excited about our future together, as well as the benefit we can provide to patients with GI disorders. As we look ahead, we are aiming to be fully integrated by the end of our fiscal year to ensure we can continue to build on the value we’re providing to those with GI disorders as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Biopharmaceutical company TiGenix, which is based in Belgium with arms in Spain and the US, develops new therapies for serious medical conditions by exploiting the anti-inflammatory properties of allogeneic, or donor-derived, stem cells.

TiGenix is behind Cx601 (darvadstrocel), a local injectable stem cell therapy to treat complex perianal fistulas in adults with non-active or mildly active luminal Crohn’s disease. The drug received the backing of the European Medicinces Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Cx601 is the first allogeneic stem cell therapy to reach this stage in Europe.

Complex perianal fistulas cause pain, swelling, infection and incontinence, which can be debilitating for sufferers, as they are difficult to treat. A phase 3 study showed that one locally-administered dose of Cx601 provided effective, long-term treatment of these fistulas, earning its CHMP positive opinion.

Crohn’s disease affected around 1.5 million people worldwide last year and the market for treatments is expected to exceed $10 billion this year.

Takeda is the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and Asia and ranks as a top-15 pharmaceutical company globally.